The Missouri Western volleyball team stayed perfect on the season with victories over Northern State University and Black Hills State University on Saturday afternoon. The Griffons defeated Northern State in three straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 26-24) and wrapped up the tournament with a four set victory over the Yellow Jackets (18-25, 25-23, 25-16, 26-24). Missouri Western improves to 4-0 on the season.

In the match against the Wolves of Norhtern State the Griffons hit an outstanding .236 with 44 kills and just 15 errors. Erin Backhuss led the way with 12 kills hitting .346. For her efforts this weekend she was selected to the All-Tournament team.

With the score tied at 17 in set one the Griffons rattled off three straight taking a 20-17 lead. MWSU never looked back winning the set by three. In set two the Griffons won six of the final ten points taking a 2-0 lead in the match.

The Griffons outscored the Wolves 8-3 midway through the third set and were able to hang on winning 26-24 taking the match 3-0.

Tournament MVP, Stephanie Hattey finished with six kills and 19 set assits while Jordan Chohon pitched in 19 set assits. Sarah Faubel led the way with 14 digs.

For the Wolves Kelsey Chambers had 11 kills while Jussy Tuscherer pitched in 10. Sami Nygaard had 19 digs while Renee Hoffman had 13.

Against Black Hills State the Griffons pulled out a gutsy 3-1 victory. MWSU lost the first set before rallying to win the next three.

Melissa Cairns led Missouri Western with 11 kills while Faubel had 10. Hattey continued to play well with 24 set assists and 11 digs. Holly Pollock led the defensive charge with 19 digs.

The Yellow Jackets were led by Amy O’Neill with 20 kills while Meghan Sipe had 13. They finished the tournament 1-3.

Missouri Western returns to action next Friday, September 7 participating in the Missouri S&T Tournament in Rolla, Mo. The Griffons take on Southwestern Oklahoma State at 10 am and #6 Southwest Minnesota State at 4:00 pm.

NSU/Dacotah Bank Classic All-Tournament Team
Erin Backhuus – Missouri Western State
Jussy Tuscherer – Northern State
Macey Finizio – Northern State
Kelsey Chambers – Northern State
Amy O’Neill – Black Hills State
Shari Hewson – Minot State

Libero: Kristina Harter – Chadron State
Setter: Drew Smith – Northern State
Tournament MVP: Stephanie Hattey – Missouri Western State

— MWSU Sports Information —