September 16, 2023 – Emporia State Volleyball fell in three sets on Saturday afternoon against #7 Nebraska-Kearney.
In the first set, Nebraska-Kearney scored four of the first five points before four consecutive points by the Hornets gave Emporia State a 5-4 lead over the Lopers. The Lopers responded as they regained the lead and built upon their advantage as they eventually took the first set 25-17 over the Hornets.
Early in set two, the Lopers carried over their momentum from the first set as they took an 8-4 lead over the Hornets. Maureen Matthews recorded back-to-back kills to trim the Loper lead down to 8-6 but Nebraska-Kearney responded and expanded their lead. Emporia State was unable to climb back into the set as the Lopers took a 2-0 lead with a 25-14 win in set two.
Emporia State started off set three strong as they held a 10-8 lead over Nebraska-Kearney. Following four consecutive points from the Lopers to take a 12-10 lead, both teams began to trade points until the score was tied 19-19. The Lopers scored the next two points before Emporia State trimmed the score to 22-21. Nebraska-Kearney kept the Hornets from tying the set as they took set three 25-21 as the Hornets fell 3-0 against the #7 Lopers.
Sandora Sasaki tallied a match-high 15 kills while Maureen Matthews recorded nine kills on .364 hitting.
Brailee Bogle recorded 29 assists for the Hornets.
Emporia State will return to action on Friday, September 22 as they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. as they take on Central Missouri.
