Missouri Western fell in the night cap on day one of the  UNK Fall Classic presented by Runza and Best Western against host and 5th ranked Nebraska-Kearney, 3-0 (25-10, 25-17, 25-14). Western was led by senior Tahler Johnston with nine kills while junior Stephanie Hattey had 18 set assists and 11 digs. The Griffons fall to 3-3 on the season.

Western struggled in the first set against the high powered Lopers. UNK used runs of 6-0 and 7-0 to claim the 25-10 victory in the opening set. The Griffons played better in set two scoring six straight points claiming an early 8-2 victory. With the score tied at two Western scored five of their six straight points off freshman Brooke Cousino’s serve.

The Lopers battled back tying the score at 10, 11, 12 and 13 before taking control and pushing their lead to 20-15 winning seven of nine points. The Griffons got just two points the rest of the set falling 25-17.

Set three belonged to the Lopers as they opened up an early 12-5 lead. The rest of the set was close with the Lopers out scoring Western 13-9 claiming 25-14 victory in set three and the sweep in the match.

The Griffons hit just .010 in the match with 25 kills while the Lopers hit .319 with 39 kills. Western had 40 digs to the Lopers 48 and had 24 set assists to the Lopers 36.

UNK improves to 7-0 on the season being led by Ariel Krolikowski and Ellie Pesavento with 10 kills apiece. Jenna Touzee had 33 set assists while Markeya Dubbs finished with 13 digs.

Western will close out the UNK Fall Classic tomorrow, Saturday, September 10 with two matches. Western will take Black Hill State University at 2:00 pm and #10 Wayne State College (Neb.) at 6:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —