Missouri Western volleyball struggled on Friday (November 9) night in Pittsburg, Kan. falling in four sets, 3-1 (25-17, 22-25, 27-25, 25-12) against Pittsburg State. With the loss the Griffons fall to 15-16 overall and 5-12 in MIAA action.

The Gorillas took the first and the fourth sets handily, as they led from the first point in both. The middle two sets were more challenging. In set two, Pitt State tied the game at 1-1, but once Missouri Western got the advantage point at 2-1, they never looked back. The Griffons led by as much as seven in the set, but Pitt State was able to cut the lead to three by the end of the set.

The third set was a battle to the finish. There were 11 ties and four lead changes, most happening near the end of the set. Missouri Western took the lead early and led by as many as four, as late as 16-12. From there, Pitt State began slowly to climb back, eventually tying the game at 18-18. The teams traded points, each time Western would take the lead, Pitt State would tie the game. The Gorillas finally took the lead 24-23 on a kill by Brooke Fay. It was then Missouri Western’s turn to tie the game after each Pitt State point. A kill from Paula Okrutna gave PSu the advantage and 26-25 and a Griffon attack error finished the set to give Pitt State the 27-25 win.

Missouri Western’s Stephanie Hattey led her team with 15 kills while Sarah Faubel had 23 digs.

Nicole Rockhold led all players with 21 kills and 19 digs for the Gorillas who improve to 16-13 overall and 6-11 in MIAA play..

The Griffons wrap up their season tomorrow afternoon when they take on the Southwest Baptsit Bearcats at 12:00 pm in Bolivar, Mo.

— MWSU Sports Information —