The Missouri Western volleyball team defeated Lindenwood Saturday night at MWSU Fieldhouse 3-1 and clinched an MIAA tournament berth with an 8-7 conference record. The win puts the Griffons at 15-14 overall.

The Griffons lost 25-16 in the first set, but won three straight with set wins of 25-20, 25-18 and 25-17.

On senior night, the Griffons honored four seniors, including Brooke Cousino, Erin Backhuus, Meredith McCormick and Stephanie Hattey. Backhuus had a match-high 14 kills, which is also her career high.

The Griffons started out slowly, losing the opening set 25-16. Amanda Boender led the set with four kills, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Lindenwood’s advantage.

In the second set, the Griffons played better, taking control early and separating themselves later on in the game. After a close 13-11 lead, the Griffons went on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 20-13. Lindenwood came back with three straight points, but the Griffons kept the lead and won 25-20. After two sets, Boender led the team with five kills.

The third set saw the Griffons take an early lead which led to them controlling the game. After a 9-9 tie, the Griffons took a 14-10 lead that eventually made its way to a 17-16 set.

From there, another run marked the end of the third set and the Griffons won it 25-18. The win put the Griffons ahead 2-1 heading into the fourth set.

The fourth set was the final set as Missouri Western won 25-17. Dominated by Backhuus, she had five kills in the fourth game to give her a career-high. Erica Rottinghaus added five kills in the fourth set as well.

Sarah Faubel led the Griffons with 20 digs. Boender finished with 11 kills to place third on the team behind Backhuus and Rottinghaus. The Lions were led by Sara Makowski and Kayla Guyot, who each had nine kills.

The Griffons are currently the fifth seed in the tournament, and play their final match of the season Thursday night at MWSU Fieldhouse. Missouri Western takes on Southwest Baptist with a start time set for 7 p.m.

— MWSU Sports Information —