ST. JOSEPH – The Missouri Western volleyball team earned a season sweep of Emporia State, defeating the Hornets in straight sets Friday night in the MWSU Fieldhouse.

It was Missouri Western’s first match back home since a five-game road trip that started with a five-set win at Emporia state on Oct. 16. Missouri Western had little trouble with Emporia State this time, taking the first set 25-18 and the third 25-19. Missouri Western had 47 kills as a team and held Emporia State to 36. The match was tied nine different times, but only featured two lead changes.

The Griffons were led by Jessie Thorup’s 15 kills. Shellby Taylor and Blair Russel each had eight kills. Rachel Friedrichs finished the match with four total blocks out of her team’s 11. Jordan Chohon led the team with 14 digs and 35 assists. Kayla Ruff had 12 digs and Russell and Audrey Keim each finished with 10 digs.

The win improved Missouri Western’s record to 19-5 overall and 10-2 in the MIAA. Tenth ranked Washburn visits the fieldhouse tomorrow night with a 6 p.m. first serve. Dependent on Washburn’s result Friday night at Northwest Missouri State, Missouri Western could move into a tie for first place in the MIAA with a win on Saturday.

— MWSU Athletics —