September 17, 2021 – The Hornets started MIAA play with an extremely difficult matchup against AVCA top ranked Nebraska-Kearney. ESU fell 3-0 to the Lopers in Kearney, Neb.
In the first set, the Hornets fell behind quickly and were forced to take a timeout trailing 10-3. They fell further behind and trailed 20-9 later in the set. This was met with a 10-3 run by the Hornets and brought them back within four points 23-19. The Lopers met this extended run with back-to-back points and were able to take the first set 25-19.
The second set started much better for Emporia State as they traded points early with Nebraska-Kearney. However, the Lopers scored five straight points and forced the Hornets into calling a timeout trailing 10-5. The timeout was unable to halt the momentum as the Lopers continued their play on their way to a 15-6 run that extended the lead to 20-11 before the second Emporia State timeout. The second set concluded with points being traded back and forth before the Lopers eventually took the set 25-15.
In the third set, the Hornets fell behind early in a similar way to the first set as they were forced to call timeout as the Lopers took a 7-1 lead. The Hornets were unable to trim the early lead for the Lopers and the set continued with both teams trading points. Nebraska-Kearney would eventually win the third set 25-17 and take the match 3-0 over Emporia State.
Leah Mach and
Orianna Clements led the way on offense for the Hornets with nine and six kills respectively.
Riley Bernskoetter had 22 assists at the setter position.
Shelby Ebert led the way with 15 digs.
Dorianne Lebron had three solo blocks and three block assists for Emporia State.
The Hornets will be back in action Saturday afternoon as they travel to Fort Hays State to take on the Tigers in their second MIAA match of the season.
