ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The No. 8-ranked Griffon volleyball team continues its homestand this week as MoWest hosts the 2026 MIAA In-Season Tournament at the Looney Complex from Oct. 15–17.
The Griffons (16-2, 6-1 MIAA) will open tournament play against No. 15 Washburn (18-4, 6-2 MIAA) on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6 PM before facing Fort Hays State (14-8, 3-5 MIAA) on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 PM. The tournament will also feature a neutral-site matchup between Washburn and Fort Hays State on Friday, Oct. 16, at 6 PM.
Last Time Out
MoWest split a pair of five-set battles during Homecoming weekend at the Looney Complex, defeating Fort Hays State 3-2 on Friday before falling to No. 5 Nebraska-Kearney 3-2 on Saturday.
Against Fort Hays State, the Griffons rallied from a 2-1 deficit to secure their ninth consecutive victory. Taylor Russell led the offense with 17 kills, while Tanith Roush added 15 and Holly Heldt recorded a double-double with 10 kills and 27 digs.
In Saturday's top-10 showdown, MoWest took a 2-1 match lead before Nebraska-Kearney rallied to claim the final two sets. Russell finished with a match-high 20 kills, while Emily Loy added 16. The Griffons moved to 16-2 overall and 6-1 in MIAA play.
Griffons Continue Homestand
MoWest will look to build on its strong start to the season as the Griffons welcome No. 15 Washburn and Fort Hays State for another weekend of conference competition.
Thursday's matchup against Washburn will feature two nationally ranked MIAA programs, while Saturday's contest against Fort Hays State will mark the second meeting between the Griffons and Tigers in just eight days.
MoWest has won nine consecutive meetings against Fort Hays State dating back to the 2022 season, including last Friday's five-set victory.
Thursday's tournament opener will also serve as MoWest Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night, recognizing university faculty and staff for their continued support of Griffon Athletics.
2026 MIAA In-Season Tournament Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 6 PM
No. 8 MoWest (16-2, 6-1 MIAA) vs. No. 15 Washburn (18-4, 6-2 MIAA)
Looney Complex | St. Joseph, Mo.
MoWest Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night
Friday, Oct. 16 | 6 PM
Fort Hays State (14-8, 3-5 MIAA) vs. No. 15 Washburn (18-4, 6-2 MIAA)
Looney Complex | St. Joseph, Mo.
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 2 PM
No. 8 MoWest (16-2, 6-1 MIAA) vs. Fort Hays State (14-8, 3-5 MIAA)
Looney Complex | St. Joseph, Mo.
What's Next
Following the MIAA In-Season Tournament, the Griffons will hit the road for a pair of conference matchups. MoWest will travel to Maryville, Missouri, to face Northwest Missouri State on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6 PM before heading to Topeka, Kansas, for a rematch against No. 15 Washburn on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 PM.
