September 2, 2023-Emporia State finished the opening weekend of the season with a 3-1 record after falling in four sets to Rockhurst in the final match of the Kansas City Classic. The Hornets fell 20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 to the host Hawks.
The Hawks jumped out at 5-1 lead to start the first set only to see the Hornets respond with a 9-2 run to take a 10-7 lead on a block from
Camilla Ossola and
Winny Harris. Rockhurst led 16-14 before Emporia State scored four straight points to take the lead for good.
Sandora Sasaki closed the set with a kill to give ESU the 25-20 win.
Sasaki gave the Hornets a 7-4 lead on a service ace to open up the second set. Emporia State had an 18-17 lead when Rockhurst went on a 4-0 run to take the lead. ESU closed to within 22-20 but RU scored the final three points to even the match at a set apiece.
Emporia State led 4-1 to open the third set but Rockhurst used a 7-2 run to take the lead for good. The Hawks lead would eventually reach six points at 18-12 before the Hornets started to rally. Back to back blocks by
McKenya Sorrells assisted first by
Brailee Bogle and then by Sasaki pulled Emporia State within 20-19. Rockhurst ended the set on a 4-2 run for a 25-22 win heading into the fourth set.
The final set saw seven ties and four lead changes through the first 28 points. With the score tied at 14-14 Rockhurst scored six straight points to take a 20-14 lead. Emporia State would get back within two points on three occasions but could not get any closer as the Hawks won 25-22 to secure the match.
Sandora Sasaki led Emporia State with 17.5 points on 14 kills with three aces and a block assist to go with 13 digs.
McKenya Sorrells added 16.5 points with 11 kills, an ace, solo block and seven block assists.
Brailee Bogle dished 44 assists in the four sets while
Anakaren Chavez had a team high 21 digs.
Emporia State will travel to Rolla, Mo. next weekend for the Missouri S&T Invitational.
NOTES:
Emporia State opened the season with three straight wins for the first time since winning four straight to start the 2014 season.
