TOPEKA, Kan. - The No. 23 Missouri Western volleyball team (18-5, 8-3 MIAA) had its six-match winning streak broken in a three-set loss on Wednesday night against Washburn (18-4, 9-3 MIAA). The Ichabods claimed the match with set scores of 25-21, 25-23 and 25-20 at Lee Arena.
 
In the opening set, both teams exchanged points, resulting in three ties, the last being at 18-18. Washburn found its rhythm late in the set, finishing with a 7-3 run to take a 1-0 lead. Holly Heldt led the Griffons with four kills, while Nessa Johnson contributed a set-high 12 assists.
 
Western took an early lead in the second set, holding a six-point advantage at one point. However, the Ichabods fought back, going on a 5-1 run to tie the set at 18-18. They ultimately secured a 2-0 lead with an assisted block from Austin Broadie and Alex Dvorak. Noelle Sutcliffe led the offense with seven kills, while Anna Weberg finished the set with seven digs.
 
The third and final set was full of momentum shifts, featuring eight ties and six lead changes. After falling behind 16-11, a kill from Taylor Russell ignited an 8-3 run by MWSU, bringing the score to 19-19. However, the Ichabods finished the match with a 6-1 run of their own, evening the season series at 1-1.
 
The Griffons face difficulties in their offensive attack, as they hit .103. Sutcliffe stood out with a team-high 12 kills and five blocks. Heldt contributed with a double-double, recording 10 kills and 11 digs, marking her ninth double-double of the season. Additionally, Johnson achieved her 14th total double-double, her third in a row, with 29 assists and 13 digs.
 
MWSU's defense recorded 22 blocks, with Emma Salker leading the match by achieving a career-high of eight blocks. Weberg contributed a team-high 17 digs while playing libero.
 
Missouri Western will return to the road for the final time in the regular season tomorrow against the Emporia State Hornets (14-6, 6-4 MIAA). Action from W.L. White Auditorium in Emporia, Kansas, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. first serve.