September 27, 2024 – Offensive struggles hindered the Hornets in their MIAA opener at Missouri Western on Friday night.
Emporia State got off to a slow start, falling behind the Griffons 8-2 early in the first set. The Hornets trimmed the gap to as small as 14-10 before an 11-3 finish for Missouri Western clinched the first set 25-13.
The beginning of set two was improved for Emporia State, as they traded points early with the Griffons and trailed 9-7. Despite the balanced start, Missouri Western controlled the remainder of the second set, outscoring the Hornets 15-3 to take the second set 25-10.
In the third set, the Hornets took a 7-3 lead and eventually built their largest lead of the match, 13-7 advantage midway through the third. The Griffons slowly came back in the set, eventually pulling level at 22-22. After a kill by
Zuzanna Buchnajzer to restore the Emporia State lead 23-22, Missouri Western scored three straight to clinch the set 25-23 as the Hornets fell in three sets.
Zuzanna Buchnajzer had a team-high nine kills while
Rayishon Jackman had five of her own.
Brailee Bogle tallied 25 assists in the match.
Emporia State will be back in action on Saturday, September 28 as they travel to Northwest Missouri. First serve between the Hornets and Bearcats is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Maryville, MO.
