ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Griffon Volleyball was multiple two-point swings away from going the distance with and possibly defeating No. 7 Nebraska-Kearney but ultimately fell 3-1 on Friday night at the MWSU Fieldhouse.
SET 1
UNK 25, MWSU 23
After falling behind 7-1, Missouri Western (3-9, 0-4 MIAA) strung three two 3-0 runs to tie the first set at 10-10 and eventually take a 14-12 lead. However, UNK (14-1, 4-1 MIAA) rattled off five in a row to take back the lead at 17-14.
The Griffons eventually hammered home five-straight points of their own to come within a 24-23 deficit. Bailee Sterling of UNK then proceeded to knock down a kill and take home the first set, 25-23.
SET 2
MWSU 25, UNK 23
Set two started off with MWSU taking the momentum back, jumping out to an 8-3 lead highlighted by kills from
Hailey Crane,
Danielle Moje and
Lia Graham. Going back and forth with 3-0 runs by both teams, Crane set up set point with one her 11 kills on the night -- a new season and career-high. A service error by UNK two plays later sealed the set for MWSU, 25-23.
SET 3
UNK 25, MWSU 15
Trailing just 15-12 after a
Yanni Washington kill, MWSU saw UNK take a stranglehold on the third set with another 5-0 run. The Griffons couldn't get back within under 10 points, losing the third set, 25-15.
SET 4
UNK 25, MWSU 23
The Lopers kept the steam pumping with a quick 4-0 start the fourth set. After staying just at arm's length for most of the set, MWSU clawed its way back into the match to force a 22-22 thanks to runs of 5-0 and 3-0, capped by kills from
Jessica Hendrix and Crane. Emersen Cyza, who led the Lopers in kills this season with 166 at that time, slammed home her 16th of the night to record a 3-1 win.
NOTABLES
- Washington's 10 kills vs. UNK marks a season and career-high.
- Graham recorded another season and career-high in digs, pulling out 23 more on Friday night. She also tallied her second career kill.
- Crane's 11 kills were also a career-high.
- MWSU outscored UNK in aces, 7-2.
- The Griffons have now lost four-straight matches.
UP NEXT
Saturday's matchup marks Family Day at the Looney Complex, as MWSU hosts Fort Hays State (6-7, 1-4 MIAA) at 1 p.m. inside the MWSU Fieldhouse. The Tigers are coming off a 3-1 loss to No. 17 Central Missouri on Friday night in Warrensburg, Missouri.
