The Missouri Western volleyball team fell in three straight (25-22, 25-22, 25-21) against the 11th ranked Nebraska-Kearney Lopers in the opening round of the MIAA Tournament. The Griffons were led by Erica Rottinghaus with 10 kills hitting .172 in the match. The Griffons finish the season 16-15 overall.

The Griffons battled in the first set to a 22-22 tie but three straight Loper points gave UNK the 25-22 set one victory. In set two the Griffons never trailed by more than four points but after cutting the score to 24-22 a blocker in the net by MWSU gave the Lopers the set two victory 25-22.

The Griffons had seven services errors in the first two sets and 14 attack errors leading their struggles. Erica Rottinghaus had eight kills for the Griffons while Sarah Faubel had 18 digs.

In set three the Griffons got down 6-1 before going on a 6-1 run of their own tying the score at seven after a kill by Amanda Boender. The Griffons continued the good play going up 17-12 after a kill by Erin Backhuus. Unfortunately the Lopers took control the rest of the way closing on a 13-4 run taking the 25-21 victory.

Sarah Faubel finished with 25 digs helping her finish the season with 527 digs just four off the single season record of 531. Jordan Chohon had 17 set assists while Rottinghaus had 12. The Griffons struggled serving with 11 service errors.

The Lopers improve to 27-5 on the season with Katie Sokolowski finishing with 14 kills. Erin Seele had 37 set assists and 19 digs.

— MWSU Sports Information —