HORNET VOLLEYBALL CLAIMS FIRST WIN OF SEASON

August 27, 2022 - Emporia State claimed the first victory of the 2022 season with a 3-1 win over Southern Arkansas on Friday morning at the UMSL Tournament. 

In the first set, Emporia State and Southern Arkansas traded points early on and with a 10-9 lead, the Hornets went on a 6-1 run to open a 16-11 advantage on the Mulerider. The lead would be trimmed to 21-19 later in the set before Emporia State responded with four of five points to take the opening set 25-20. 

The second set started similarly to the first with both team trading points. Emporia State would eventually open up a lead and was able to hold off Southern Arkansas to stay in front and take the second set 25-19. 

After falling in the third set, 25-12 Emporia State was able to respond in the fourth. The Hornets were able to grab an 11-8 lead after back-to-back service aces from Riley Bernskoetter. The Muleriders responded and eventually had a 24-22 lead with set point to force a final fifth set. Emporia State answered with five of the next six points including the final three on Shelby Ebert kills to clinch the set and the 3-1 match victory.

Orianna Clements and Shelby Ebert both recorded 14 kills in the match to lead the Hornet attack. Riley Bernskoetter and Ainslee Stepp each recorded over 20 assists, with 26 and 21 respectively. In defense, Megan Stretton recorded 25 digs to lead the way.

Emporia State will conclude the UMSL Tournament later today against Missouri S&T at 2:00 p.m.