ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western volleyball fell just a few points short of upsetting No. 9 ranked Central Missouri in their home opener on Friday. MWSU lost 15-13 in the fifth set, coming up just short of the upset.

The Griffons began their first set in the newly-renovated MWSU Fieldhouse with a 25-21 win. Central Missouri was held to its lowest hitting percentage of the match at .111. The Jennies turned around and won the second match 25-17 as the Griffons struggled offensively, hitting their worst percentage of the match in that set.

The third set was all Griffons as they dominated by a score of 25-9. Leading Missouri Western in that set and throughout the night was Shellby Taylor. Taylor put together one of her best statistical performances of the season as she tallied 15 kills and three blocks.

The Jennies took the fourth and fifth sets to escape out of St. Joseph with the win.

Stephanie Doak was the team leader with 18 kills for the Griffons. Ali Tauchen made big plays in key moments throughout the night. She finished the match with 14 kills and three digs. Lauren Murphy led all players with 49 assists and Audrey Keim led all players with 31 digs.

Again, Friday night’s match was Griffon fans’ first chance to see the new-look MWSU Fieldhouse. The renovated facility now features black and gold painted walls, new bleacher and chair-back seating, and a Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame wall. Friday night was also the unveiling of Missouri Western’s 2017 MIAA Championship and Regional Semifinalist banners. Missouri Western President Dr. Robert Vartabedian and Director of Athletics Josh Looney showcased the new banners for Griffon fans and players during the pregame ceremony.

The Griffons will look to rebound Saturday as they face Lindenwood at 2:00 p.m. inside the MWSU Fieldhouse.

— MWSU Athletics —