Missouri Western volleyball won its seventh match out of the past 10 as it defeated Missouri Southern 3-0 Friday night at MWSU Fieldhouse. The Griffons are 14-13 and 7-6 in the MIAA.

Kelsey Olion took control of the opening set, providing the Griffons with five kills throughout the game. The close first set saw the Griffons take a four-point lead twice before the Lions came back to make it 23-22. The Griffons close out the set with two straight points to win it 25-22.

The Lions went ahead 15-10 in the second set. A diving dig from Erica Rottinghaus kept the Lions from extending their lead. From there, the Griffons went on 6-1 run to mark it 17-16.

After that, Missouri Western came back to take the set 25-23 and the 2-0 lead. Lindsey Partridge led the way with six kills in the set.
Missouri Southern threatened the Griffons plenty in the third set, but not enough to take the game. The Griffons fell behind 2-0, and aside from a few ties, the Griffons led the rest of the way.

The final rally made it interesting. The Griffons led 24-21 but couldn’t close the match. The Lions scored three straight points before the Griffons came back to break the tie. Olion finished the match with a kill to win it 26-24.

For the whole match, Olion led the team with 12 kills. Rottinghaus added 18 kills and Sarah Faubel had 14 to place second. Jordan Chohon recorded 34 assists throughout the match.

The Lions were led by Nai Montano, who had eight kills. Abby Finder led the team with 25 assists.

Missouri Western returns home Friday, Nov. 8 and play Central Missouri. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —