The Missouri Western volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit Saturday in Topeka as they won three straight sets to upset fifth-ranked Washburn 20-25, 24-26, 26-24, 25-18, 24-22.

The Griffons are off to their best start through 21 matches since the 1987 squad that finished 5th at the NAIA Tourmanent with a 63-6 overall record.

It was the second time MWSU defeated Washburn this year, both times with the Ichabods ranked No. 5 and the first time the Griffons have swept a season series from Washburn since 2000. Missouri Western is now 17-4, 11-2 in the MIAA and remains in a three-way tie for first place with Central Missouri and Nebraska Kearney.

With nine matches left in the regular season, MWSU has surpassed last season’s win total and have matched the most wins for the program since 2005.

Missouri Western had seven match points in the fifth set, including the first at 14-13 before eventually pulling out their second win of the season against Washburn.  The Ichabods drop to 18-3 and 10-3 in the MIAA.

Washburn led 13-11 in the fifth set before Western scored three straight to get to match point at 14-13.

Three Griffons finished the night with double-doubles. Erica Rottinghaus had 22 kills, 12 digs and hit .327. Kelsey Olion had 17 kills and 12 digs. Jordan Chohon had 60 assists and 14 digs. Sarah Faubel led the team with 24 digs and Jessie Thorup finished with 20 kills. The Griffons had 18 total team blocks, led by Amanda Boender’s 10 block assists.

Missouri Western hit .197 overall as MWSU edged Washburn in kills, 73-69 and in digs, 87-79.

The entire match featured 45 ties and 18 lead changes.

The Griffons are back in action Friday at the MWSU Fieldhouse as they host Missouri Southern at 7:00 PM.

— MWSU Sports Information —