Hornets secure 11-match winning streak over Missouri Western, Northwest Missouri
Hornet Volleyball claimed their first win over a Top 25 opponent since 2019 with a 3-0 victory against Missouri Western at home on Sept. 26.
The Hornets started with a 5-1 deficit but soon answered with a 5-1 run of their own to tie the score at 6. Eight ties and three lead changes would follow before junior setter Brailee Bogle assisted freshman setter/right side Delainee Dexter with the final kill to close out the set 25-23.
The Hornets scored four consecutive points in the second set to take a 12-8 lead after a series of tight scoring with the first 16 points. They went on to score six more points to advance their lead 23-15. Combining a block, freshman middle blocker Brooklyn Weaver and freshman outside hitter Lavra Krizanic defended the final point in the 25-20 win.
Starting the third set, Missouri Western had the first six points of the set. With the Griffons leading 9-5, the Hornets responded with their biggest run of the night, scoring seven consecutive points to bring the Hornets up 12-9. The run saw two kills for senior outside hitter/right side hitter Camilla Ossola and back-to-back blocks by the Hornets. The Griffons decreased their deficit 17-16, but an 8-5 run by ESU closed the set for a 25-21 victory.
Just two days later, ESU volleyball picked up their third straight sweep against Northwest Missouri State. The Hornets added two solo blocks and 24 block assists to their stats, but hit at a low .196 compared to other matches this season.
The 11-match winning streak is the longest for the Hornets since 2009.
The Hornets will now travel to Wichita to face off against Newman and Pittsburg State on the court. First serve against the Jets is set for Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.
Hornet Football takes 42-29 loss against Pittsburg State
Emporia State took to Welch stadium Sept. 27 to face off against rival Pittsburg State on Family Day. ESU had over 600 yards of offense but failed to claim victory over the Gorillas.
The Gorillas took an early lead 14-0. With 5:41 left in the first half, the Hornets scored 16 points to put them ahead 16-14. The Gorillas went on to score the next 21 points, including a 6 play, 47 yard touch down in the second half. ESU managed to get within 12 points early in the last quarter, but turned the ball over on downs three times to give Pitt the advantage.
The Hornets eventually fell to the Gorillas 42-29.
Hornet Football will play again on Saturday, Oct. 4. as they travel to Missouri Western. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Spratt Stadium in St. Joseph, Mo.
