SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Griffon Volleyball sparked a 1-0 start to the 2023 season on Thursday, defeating Illinois-Springfield 3-0 to kick off the first tournament of the season.

Missouri Western began its stay at the Illinois Springfield Tournament, taking place at the Recreation and Athletic Center. The Griffons took the first two sets in convincing fashion, winning 25-19 and 25-18. Spearheaded by big nights from Danielle Moje and Holly Heldt, Missouri Western endured a late push from the Prairie Stars before putting them away for good.

Moje gave the Griffons match point with her 13th kill of the night, setting the stage for Heldt to seal the deal. Heldt, who tallied 10 digs on Thursday, held down the win with her third block of the match, ending Springfield's with a sweep.

 NOTABLES

• Nessa Johnson went off for 27 assists.
• Hailey Crane recorded 10 digs.
• In her college debut, Anna Weberg racked up a match-high 14 kills.
• Missouri Western is 5-0 all-time vs. UIS.
• Moje's 43.5 hitting percentage led all players.
• Griffon Volleyball is 2-0 in season openers under Head Coach Jessica Fey.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western meets up with McKendree (0-0) on Friday at 11 a.m. for day two of the tournament. Later, MWSU takes on Arkansas Tech (0-0) at 3 p.m.