ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western Volleyball team fell to Emporia State in five sets (25-20, 25-20, 23-25, 16-25, 15-10) at the MWSU Fieldhouse on Friday night.

Dropping the first two sets, the Griffons would regroup in the third set.  MWSU took a decisive 9-2 lead behind an ace from Kayla Ruff to start the set.  Emporia State would cut into the lead, tying the set at 18, before Missouri Western would pull away and finish the set with a Blair Russell kill.

It was all Griffons in the fourth set, as an 8-0 rally propelled them to force a fifth set. Trading leads early in the final set, the Hornets were able to use a late rally to take the match.

Rachel Friedrichs had one of her best nights of the season as she finished with 15 kills, three aces and two blocks while hitting .343 for the match.  Kelsey Olion also had a big night for the Griffons as she recorded 14 kills, 12 digs and an ace.  Continuing their strong work from the service line, Kayla Ruff and Tiana Butler combined to ace Emporia State six times.

Missouri Western returns to the MWSU Fieldhouse Saturday at 7 p.m. as they host #15 Washburn.  Saturday night will be Dig Pink night for the Griffons as they encourage everyone to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

— MWSU Athletics —