The Emporia State volleyball team went 1-1 in their final weekend of the season, losing 3-0 to #6 Nebraska-Kearney followed by a 3-1 victory over Fort Hays State University in their final game of the season.
Friday’s home game against the Kearney Lopers started out with a close set, having 11 ties and five lead changes until Nebraska-Kearney put a small run together to take the set 25-21. The Lopers kept that momentum going into the second set, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. The Hornets were never able to take the lead but managed to fight off three set points before giving up the match 25-22.
The final set also had 11 ties and five lead changes, the last of which would be at 16. The Hornets fought off three match points before the Lopers would win the final set and the match 25-23.
“Kearney, they’re a very athletic team,” said Bing Xu, head coach, said in a media interview after the game. “They have big weapons everywhere in their front. We (defended) them very well, especially blocking-wise. We out blocked them, for me, all three sets, the whole entire game, the little things cost us. They’re a good defensive team. They keep the ball alive a lot.”
The Hornets finished up their season Saturday against FHSU at White Auditorium. ESU rolled through the first two sets, winning both 25-20. The Tigers rallied in the third set, never letting the Hornets have the lead to win the set 25-21. The fourth and final set had five ties and one lead change but a run at the end clinched the match for the Hornets 25-21.
The MIAA rankings, which were released Wednesday, named Carly Spicer, senior outside hitter, First-Team MIAA Outside Hitter. Courtney Haring, senior hitter, received Second-Team Honors at middle blocker. Five other Hornets received Honorable Mention.
“I’m so proud of our team and how we came together this season,” Spicer, an elementary education major, said. “I’m really going to miss all the girls and the game itself, but I’m glad we could at least get the win on senior night.”
After graduation Spicer said she plans to go to graduate school and will be a graduate assistant for the volleyball team next season.