Missouri Western volleyball defeated Northwest Missouri State 3-1 Tuesday evening at home to even its record in the MIAA at 6-6. Overall, the Griffons are also .500 with a 13-13 record.

Missouri Western jumped out to an 8-3 lead during the first set but quickly lost momentum. The Griffons fell behind soon after. The Bearcats pushed their way toward an 8-8 tie and eventually took over to win the set 25-21.

Erica Rottinghaus, the team-leader in kills, started out with a slow night but responded quickly in the second set. The junior had three kills in the set and gave the Griffons a 4-0 lead.

The lead extended to 11-4 and Missouri Western doubled the score soon after, taking a 16-8 lead after an attack error from Northwest. The Griffons won the set 25-19.

After the 1-1 tie, the Griffons won the third set 25-18. Rottinghaus had another 3-kill game countered by Kelsey Olion’s five kills in the third set.

Northwest led 6-5, but the Griffons went on a 5-2 run to take a 10-8 lead and never fell behind afterward. With a 2-1 lead, the Griffons controlled the fourth and final set of the night to win 25-16.

Olion led the team with 15 kills. Rottinghaus finished second with 13, giving her 333 kill so far this season. Leading the team with 42 assists was Jordan Chohon.Lindsey Partridge played a solid match which included a match-high seven blocks. It was also a career high for the sophomore. The Bearcats were led by Abby Graves who had 12 kills.

This was the second victory over Northwest this season. Earlier this season, the Griffons won 3-1.

The Griffons are still seventh in the conference but have a two-match lead over the No. 8 and ninth-place teams. With four matches remaining the Griffons can secure a post-season berth soon.

Next up for the Griffons is Missouri Southern. They’ll play the Lions Friday night at 7 p.m. at MWSU Fieldhouse.

— MWSU Sports Information —