MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Western volleyball team knocked off No. 25 Northwest Missouri State in five sets (16-25, 25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 15-8) at Bearcat Arena on Tuesday.

After the dropping the first set, Missouri Western jumped out to a 4-1 second set lead.  After a Northwest Missouri rally, the Griffons closed out the set with 5-1 run to even the match.

After trailing early in the fourth set, MWSU would seize control of the match with a 14-2 run.  The run was highlighted by a 10-0 rally with Tiana Butler at the service line to force a fifth set. With the momentum in their favor, Missouri Western would cruise in the fifth set to win the match.

Kelsey Olion would deliver a key performance for the Griffons, ending with 17 kills, 14 digs, five blocks and an ace.  Shellby Taylor added 16 kills while Rachel Friedrich and Stephanie Doak adding 10 kills apiece.  Doak and Tiana Butler each had two aces for MWSU as well. Kayla Ruff led the defense with 23 digs on the night.

Missouri Western prepares for another ranked opponent on the road as they travel to #16 Central Missouri on Friday evening, before returning home for Senior day against Lindenwood at 2 p.m. Saturday.

— MWSU Athletics —