The Missouri Western volleyball struggles continued Tuesday evening falling in three straight sets (25-14, 25-22, 25-23) against rival Northwest Missouri State University. The Griffons have lost five matches in a row falling to 12-13 overall and 3-9 in MIAA play.

In set one the two teams played to a 6-6 tie after service ace by MWSU’s Sarah Faubel. From there it would be all Bearcats closing the set on a 19-8 run winning the set by 11.

The Griffons struggled early in set two getting down 12-6. The Griffons responded nicely going on a 9-3 run tying the score at 15 after a kill by Faubel. The set went back and forth the rest of the way and with the score tied at 21 the offense went cold for MWSU. The Griffons scored just one pont the rest of the way falling 25-22 getting down 2-0 in the match.

In the final set the Griffons trailed by as many as six numerous times. The Griffons put a mini run together down the stretch but it wasn’t enough as they fell 25-23. The Bearcats improved to 12-13 overall and 6-6 in the MIAA with the win.

Amanda Boender paced the Griffons with ten kills while Stephanie Hattey had 29 set assists and Holly Pollock had 15 digs.

Abby Graves led the way for Northwest with a match high 18 kills. Bridget Hanafin had 42 set assists while Tori Beckman had 25 digs.

The Griffons return to MIAA play on Friday, October 26 with an MIAA match against Missouri Southern in Joplin, Mo. Match time is set for 7:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —