November 13, 2021 – Emporia State played host to Missouri Western in their final match of the season on Saturday afternoon. The Hornets took down the Griffons 3-1 on Senior Day.
The first set started out difficult for the Hornets as they fell behind early with the Griffons taking a 11-4 advantage. Emporia State responded with five straight points to trim the Griffon lead down to 11-9. The Hornets fought to even the match and were finally able to tie it up at 22-22 late in the set. The two teams fought for an advantage and eventually the Griffons clung to a 26-25 lead. The Hornets responded with three straight points with two being kills by
Leah Mach to take the first set over the Griffons 28-26.
The second set started in similar fashion to the first with Missouri Western taking a 13-6 lead in the first part of the set. Unlike the opening set, the Hornets were unable to respond and fell in the second set 25-15.
Bouncing back from their opening to the previous two sets, the Hornets took an 11-9 lead over the Griffons and fought to extend their advantage to 18-14. Emporia State continued their strong play,
holding Missouri Western to a .163 hitting percentage in the third set, their lowest of the afternoon, on their way to a 25-20 win in the third set.
The fourth set started with another sluggish beginning from the Hornets as they trailed 8-5 early on. Emporia State responded immediately with five consecutive points to take a 10-8 advantage. The run continued for the Hornets as their lead grew to 18-12. Eight out of ten points from the Griffons would flip the set around and tie the score at 20-20. Emporia State was able to hold off Missouri Western, and take the fourth set 25-23 and clinch the match 3-1.
Three Hornets reached double-digit kills on the afternoon with
Leah Mach leading the way with a match-high 16 kills.
Shelby Ebert and
Orianna Clements followed with 14 each.
Riley Bernskoetter tallied 46 assists for the Hornets.
Rylie Fornelli anchored the Hornet defense with 38 digs.
Emporia State will lose a pair of seniors and return 12 of 14 players for next season.
