The Missouri Western volleyball team won for the 10th time in 11 tries Friday night as they defeated Emporia State in five sets at Emporia.

MWSU claimed the decisive set with a 15-13 victory, winning on a Hornet attack error. Nothing was easy for the Griffons who pulled out the win with a .173 hitting percentage. After dropping the first set, 25-18, the Griffons were in danger of falling in a 2-0 hole to the Hornets. Emporia State led 24-20 in the second set before Missouri Western rallied for five straight points, including two service aces from Kelsey Olion and two kills from Erica Rottinghaus. MWSU took the second set 28-26 then took a 2-1 lead in the match with a 25-23 win in set three.Emporia State forced the fifth set with a 25-20, then Missouri Western took control, leading the entire final set.

Rottinghaus finished with a season-high, 21 kills and matched her season best, 15 digs. Amanda Boender also matched her best performance of the season with 15 kills. Olion and Jessie Thorup each finished with 13 kills. Jordan Chohon had 60 assists and 10 digs, while Sarah Faubel led the team with 19 digs.

The first-place Griffons are now 16-4 and 10-2 in the MIAA. They travel to Topeka for a rematch with No. 5 Washburn Saturday night. The last time the two squared off, Missouri Western handed the Ichabods their first loss of the season. The two teams are now part of a four-way tie atop the MIAA standings with Central Missouri and Nebraska Kearney. The match will begin at 6 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —