After winning the first set against the 18th ranked Truman State Bulldogs, the Missouri Western volleyball team fell in the next three sets falling 3-1 (20-25, 25-18, 25-18, 28-26). Jessie Thorup led the charge with 14 kills as the Griffons fall to 5-9 on the season.

Things did not look good for Missouri Western as they got down 6-0 against the Bulldogs in set one. The Griffons stayed poised going on a 7-0 run using the serve of Erin Backhuus taking their first lead of the set at 10-9 after a second ace from Backhuus. From there the Griffons dominated the match outscoring the Bulldogs 15-11 taking set one 25-20. The Griffons hit .242 in the set with Erica Rottinghaus getting four kills.

The Bulldogs evened the match taking the second set 25-18. The Bulldogs hit .346 in the set with Allie Brak leading the way with four kills in the set. Missouri Western hit .161 in the set with Amanda Boender getting four kills.

After two sets the Griffons were hitting .203 with Rottinghaus leading the way with seven kills. Jordan Chohon and Kelly Scannell both had ten set assists while Rottinghaus had six digs.

In set three Missouri Western got down early once again and could not come back falling 25-18. In set four the Griffons got down 16-11 before the stormed back going on a 12-5 run taking a 23-21 lead after a back-to-back kills by Thorup. The Bulldogs responded closing the match on a 7-3 run winning the set 28-26 and improving to 9-5 on the season with the victory.

Missouri Western hit .215 in the match with Rottinghaus finishing with 11 kills and Olion collecting 10. Chohon finished with 21 set assists while Faubel had had 14 digs.

The Bulldogs were led by Abby Heise and Allie Brak as they both had 14 kills. Meghan Zimmerman finished with 46 set assists while Heather Hargadine and Lauren Radix had 10 digs apiece.

The Griffons return to action on Friday, October 4 when they take on the Missouri Southern Lions in Joplin, Mo. Game time is set for 7:00 pm.

— MWSU Sports Information —