Missouri Western fell to No. 11 Washburn in four sets, 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 26-24, 25-20) Saturday night at MWSU Fieldhouse.

After Washburn took the first set 25-20, the Griffons jumped ahead to gain control of the second set.

Led by Erica Rottinghaus, the Griffons built a strong lead. Ahead 15-12, Rottinghaus added a kill to extend their lead. She recorded five kills in the set as the Griffons remained in a close battle with the Ichabods.

Rottinghaus put together another kill to break a 20-20 tie, and the junior put in a final kill to mark the score 24-20. An attack error by the Ichabods sent the match into the break tied 1-1.

The third set was the closest of the night. The Griffons went ahead 8-4 and steadily remained in the lead by four points before Washburn brought the set closer. A 4-1 run was ended with an Erin Backhuus kill to mark the score 12-10. Kelsey Olion added a kill to give the Griffons their biggest lead of the match, a 16-10 lead. But Washburn came back.

Down by seven, the Ichabods went on a 7-1 run to make it 18-17. The match was tied at 20, 22 and 24 but Washburn scored the final two points to take the important third set. That gave Washburn a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth set.

Washburn led throughout the final set to clinch the victory 3-1.

Rottinghaus led the Griffons with 17 kills. Sarah Faubel led the Griffons with 21 digs. Jordon Chohon had 40 assists for a team high.

Washburn was led by Marissa Cox who had 18 kills. The Griffons return to action Tuesday night for a 7 p.m. start against Northwest Missouri State.

— MWSU Sports Information —