November 15, 2024 - Emporia State volleyball played their eighth five-set match of the season and outlasted Arkansas-Fort Smith 3-2 in the first ever MIAA matchup between the Hornets and Lions.
In the first, Emporia State took an early lead, scoring five of the first six points. Arkansas-Fort Smith rallied and pulled level with the Hornets on four occasions before eventually taking their first lead of the set 23-22. A Lion attack error brought the score level before the hosts scored back-to-back points to capture the first set 25-23.
Over the next two sets, the Hornet attack powered Emporia State to a 2-1 lead in the match. In set two, the Hornets hit .364 with 19 kills, including five from
Rayishon Jackman, as Emporia State took the second 25-20. Despite another strong set in attack, as the Hornets hit .350, Emporia State trailed for much of third. Late in the set, with the Lions leading 20-18, Emporia State rallied to take the third set 25-23.
Emporia State was unable to close out Arkansas-Fort Smith in set four, as the Lions led the whole way, including jumping out to a 9-2 advantage. After the Hornets closed the gap to 13-11, five straight points from the Lions restored a seven-point lead on the way to Arkansas-Fort Smith taking set four 25-15.
In the final set, both teams traded points early, with Arkansas-Fort Smith leading 8-7 as the Hornets and Lions flipped sides. Following the flip, Emporia State outscored the Lions 8-2, with four kills coming from
Weronika Wrzesinska, to clinch the fifth set 15-10 and the match 3-2.
Weronika Wrzesinska recorded a match-high 22 kills on .321 hitting, her fifth match this season with 20 or more kills.
Camilla Ossola had 18 kills on .317 hitting and surpassed 15 kills for the sixth time.
Rayishon Jackman had 11 kills and team-high 27 digs.
Brailee Bogle had 54 assists, her fourth time with more than 50 this season.
Emporia State advances to 17-8 on the season and 9-6 in the MIAA as the Hornets have clinched their first winning record in the MIAA since 2013.
The Hornets will be back in action on Saturday, November 16 as they take on Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Okla. First serve between the Hornets and Bronchos is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
