Missouri Western opened up the UNK Fall Classic presented by Runza and Best Western with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-23 and 25-23) victory over the Chadron State Eagles. Western hit .231 in the match with freshman Shelby Corkill leading the charge with 13 kills. Western improves to 3-2 on the season. Western plays their second match of the classic at 8:00 pm against host school #5 Nebraska-Kearney.

The Griffons dominated set one jumping out to an 11-4 lead. They kept up the pressure scoring 11 of the next 20 points extending their lead to 22-13. The Eagles won six of the next nine points but a kill by Alex Behnke gave Western the set one victory 25-17.

Western started strong in set two scoring the first six points off Stephanie Hattey serves which included one ace. The Eagles came back nicely claiming their first lead of the match at 11-10 after and attack error by Tahler Johnston. Western took control once again regaining the lead at 13-12 on a kill by Meredith McCormick smash. Western pushed their lead to 21-16 and held on to take a two set advantage winning the set 25-23.

Set three would be a back and forth battle as neither team got ahead by more than three points. With the score tied at 20 Western took control winning five of the final eight points with Johnston getting the final two kills giving Western the 3-0 match victory and a 25-23 victory in the set.

Johnston was the only other Griffon in double digit kills getting 11 in the match. Hattey had 41 set assists and 14 digs while Johnston and Faubel each recorded 12 digs.

The Eagles fall to 3-2 on the season as Mallory Irvine led the charge with 11 kills. Michaela Schmitt had 28 set assists while Mollie Jones had 12 digs.

— MWSU Sports Information —