ST. JOSEPH – For the first time in 30 years, Missouri Western (22-9) is atop of the conference volleyball standings. The Griffons beat No. 5 Nebraska Kearney 3-1 to clinch a share of the MIAA championship. MWSU won its 11th consecutive match and avenged its only loss in the last 16 matches.

RUN OF HISTORY
The last time Missouri Western finished first in the conference was 1987. It is the first time since it became a Division II and joined the MIAA that it won a volleyball championship as well. The Griffons extended their winning streak to 11 games, the longest since 1995 when they won 12 straight matches. MWSU also knocked off its third ranked opponent, second in the top 10.

CHAMPIONSHIP RALLY
UNK sprinted out of the gates in the first set with a 10-1 lead and cruised to a 25-14 victory. Missouri Western bounced back in the second set with 10-5 lead and closed the set out on 4-1 rally to even the match 1-1. The Griffons used a 10-1 run to end the fourth set to claim their share of the MIAA title.

BIG GAME, BIG PERFORMERS
On the biggest stage thus far in the season, Erin Erb didn’t shy away for the limelight. Erb came off the bench in the first set and ended up as the team leader with 14 kills, her career-high. Erb would also finish the match with seven digs and a block. Rachel Losch recorded a career-best 10 total blocks in the win.

UP NEXT
Missouri Western will host a MIAA tournament match on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. MWSU awaits its MIAA tournament opponent until it is officially announced by the conference at a later date. Gogriffons.com and Missouri Western social media platforms will have all updates when they become available.

— MWSU Athletics —