October 8, 2021 – Emporia State took on Pittsburg State on Friday evening from White Auditorium. The Hornets fell 3-0 to the Gorillas.
A strong start in the first set allowed the Hornets to take a 12-8 lead over the Gorillas. Pittsburg State would school three straight before ESU responded and took a 15-13 lead over the Gorillas. At this point, Pittsburg State would take control of the set and eventually go on to take the first set 25-21 over Emporia State.
For much of the second set, the Hornets and Gorillas would fight each other off and the set remained close throughout. Late in the set, Pittsburg State held a 19-14 over Emporia State and the Hornets worked their way back and made it 21-19. Despite this late push, it wouldn't be enough as the Gorillas took the second set, this time by the score of 25-22.
In the third set, the Hornets fell behind early and were unable to track down the Gorillas and tie the set back up once Pittsburg State gained a 6-5 lead. The biggest advantage for the Gorillas came with a 17-10 lead in the middle of the third set. After this, Emporia State fought to get back into the set but it wasn't enough as the Gorillas took the set 25-21 and the match 3-0.
Megan Stretton reached double digit kills on the night for the Hornets with 12 on the evening.
Orianna Clements and
Leah Mach added 9 and 7 kills respectively.
Riley Bernskoetter tallied 28 assists for the Hornets while
Rylie Fornelli added nine digs in defense for Emporia State.
The Hornets will be back in action Saturday afternoon as they take on Missouri Southern at 3:00 p.m. from White Auditorium.
