For the second time in three matches the Griffons came out on the short end of a five set thrilling match. This time Western fell to their rival Northwest Missouri State by a score of 3-2 (26-24, 25-21, 25-19, 26-24 and 15-13). This is also the second time in three matches that they lost a 2-1 lead in a match. The Griffons fall to 12-14 overall and 5-8 in MIAA action.

The first set was a back and forth battle with neither team leading by more than four points. The Griffons lead at 21-20 but the Bearcats came back winning six of the final nine points for the 26-24 victory. Western closed set two on an 8-4 run with kills by Amanda Boender and Tahler Johnston. Western evened the match at one set apiece after the 25-21 set two victory.

Western went on a 14-4 run in set three with runs of 5-0 and 4-0 sparking them to the 25-19 victory and the 2-1 lead in the match. Western looked like they were going to claim the match taking a 19-14 lead after five straight points in set four, but the Bearcats closed the set winning 12 of the final 18 points taking the 26-24 victory forcing set five. The Bearcats took control of set five midway through going on a 4-0 run taking a 10-6 lead. Western cut the lead to one at 14-13 after a Boender kill but an attack error by Johnston gave the Bearcats the 15-13 victory.

The Griffons hit .218 with 63 kills in the set. Four different Griffons had double digit kills with Alex Behnke leading the way with 15. Stephanie Hattey finished with 53 of the Griffons 63 set assists while Tory Lyman finished with 16 digs.

The Bearcats improve to 11-15 overall and 5-8 in MIAA action. The Bearcats hit .246 with 22 of the 67 kills coming from Alex Hanna. Laira Akin had 56 set assists while Abby Graves led the charge defensively with 18 digs.

Western returns to action on Friday, November 4 when they take on the 7th ranked Jennies of Central Missouri in the MWSU Fieldhouse. First serve is set for 7:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —