The Missouri Western volleyball team played tough in a 3-2 (19-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 12-15) loss against the Truman University Bulldogs. Western hit the ball well accumulating 64 kills and 27 errors in 179 attacks for a percentage of .209. Western falls to 9-9 overall and 2-4 in MIAA action.

Western found themselves withstanding an onslaught early in game one, being down by as many as 11 points at one point. However, the Lady Griffons battled back to within four points, bringing the score to 19-23. Unfortunately they would lose the next two points and drop the first game 19-25.  In game two, the Lady Griffons carried over their momentum from late in game one to open with a quick 4-1 lead. The Bulldogs battled back, but Western maintained control not allowing Truman to get within two points the rest of the game, winning 25-23.

Western came out of the break determined to take a lead in the match, and came very close to getting ahead 2-1, but dropped game three at the very end. It was a closely contested game, neither team taking a lead of more than four points. The Lady Griffons pulled ahead late in the game 23-22, but allowed the Bulldogs to score three unanswered points to take game three 23-25. Western came out flat in game four, finding themselves in a quick 4-1 hole. However, the Lady Griffons battled back and quickly took control of the game late to pull ahead 18-17. Carrying on this momentum, Western took game four 25-20, outscoring Truman 7-3 the rest of the way.

In the critical game five, Western opened with a quick lead of 4-1. It wasn’t enough however as Truman came roaring back to take the lead at 7-6. The Lady Griffons tried to stop Truman and battle back, but it wasn’t enough as the Bulldogs took the final game of the match 15-12.

Alex Behnke hit .419 in the match with 15 kills on 31 attempts. Western had 74 digs in the match with Hattey accumulating 20 digs and 58 set assists.

The Bulldogs hit .251 in the match with 63 kills. Molly Sinclair let the way for the Bulldogs with 20 kills while Kylie Easlon accumulated 26 set assists. Abby Moser had 33 of the Bulldogs 78 digs.

Western will play their third of four straight road matches on Tuesday, October 11, when they travel to Quincy, Il. to take on the Quincy University Hawks. Match time is set for 7:00 pm in Pepsi Arena.

— MWSU Sports Information —