Emporia State claimed two volleyball victories in a weekend sweep of Central Missouri and Missouri Southern.
In five sets on Friday, ESU marked their third ranked win of the season against the Jennies.
The Hornets and Jennies started the first set going back and forth on scoring until the Jennies made their way to a 25-19 win. They continued their tempo into the second set as they led 12-8, but ESU tied with the Jennies at 21-21 before UCM increased their advantage 23-21. The Hornets responded with three consecutive points to set up game point and eventually took the 28-26 win.
ESU gained a 25-18 win in set three to take a 2-1 lead in the match. The Hornets and Jennies continued to trade points in the fourth with no team in the lead by more than three until UCM managed to outscore ESU 25-23.
ESU kicked off the deciding fifth set with a 5-1 lead. UCM rallied to score five of the next six points to lessen their deficit 10-8. The Hornets responded by scoring five of the last seven to end the set 15-10.
Another win followed for the Hornets as they beat Missouri Southern in a short three sets on Saturday afternoon, marking their fourth weekend sweep of conference action.
The Hornets struggled at the start as the Lions took a quick 9-5 lead in the first set. The teams then went back and forth in scoring until the Hornets managed to come out with the 26-24 win.
Emporia State began set two with continued momentum as they took a 10-3 lead and forced the Lions to take a timeout. The Hornets did not slow down, as they took the second 25-12.
Responding to the Hornet win, Lions started with an early 9-5 lead in the third set. ESU tied the match 12-12 before taking a 23-20 lead later in the set. With the help of kills by freshman outside hitter Lavra Krizanic and freshman setter/right side Delainee Dexter at the end, their 25-21 third-set win was secured.
The Hornets are currently 17-3 on the season and 8-1 in conference play. Next, they will travel to Topeka to face off against Washburn on Friday. First serve is set for 6 p.m. against the Ichabods.
