Missouri Western volleyball came from behind against South Dakota School of Mines picking up a five set victory (25-19, 20-25, 25-27, 25-18, 16-14) in the Missouri Southern Invitational. The Griffons have won three matches in a row improving to 9-10 on the season.

The Griffons came out in the first set on fire opening up a 12-6 lead midway through the set. MWSU continued to play well coming away with a 25-19 victory in set two. Set two was a back and forth battle with both teams playing to a 15-15 tie. Unfortunately the Griffon offense went cold as the Hardrockers finished the set on a 10-4 run evening the match at one.

In set three things looked good as they used a 6-0 run claiming a 19-13 lead. Once again the Griffon offense struggled as Mines closed on a 14-6 run winning 27-25 taking a 2-1 lead in the set. In set four the Griffons got out to another early lead and this time held on for the 25-18 victory.

The fifth and final set was a crazy set. The Hardrockers opened taking a 6-3 lead. The Griffons responded with a 5-2 run claiming a 8-6 lead after a Kelsey Olion kill. The Hardrockers took control for the next few points using a 6-0 run taking a 12-8 lead. The Griffons stayed poised closing on a 9-2 run winning 16-14.

The Griffons hit .185 with 65 kills in the match. Four Griffons had double digit kills with Olion leading the way with 16. Amanda Boender, Erica Rottinghaus and Lindsey Partridge had 14, 13 and 11 respectively. Kelly Scannell had another career high with 55 set assists while Sarah Faubel had a career best 30 of the Griffons season high 98 digs.

The Hardrockers fell to 6-13 on the season with Justine Blade leading the way with 18 kills. Middella Reese had 29 digs while Carsyn Garcia had 53 set assists.

Missouri Western will close out the Missouri Southern Invitational on Saturday with an 11:00 am match against East Central University.

— MWSU Sports Information —