October 3, 2026 - #17 Emporia State volleyball fell behind 2-0 on Saturday night, and after rallying back to force a fifth set, narrowly fell against #14 Washburn.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Emporia State took the first two points of set one over the Ichabods, but the control of set one ended there for the Hornets. Washburn quickly jumped in front and rolled on their way to a 25-15 win in the first frame. In set one, the Hornets were held to .108 in attack while the Ichabod's posted a .455 mark.
Set two was back-and-forth for the majority of the frame, with Emporia State and Washburn locked at 16-16. The Ichabods scored two straight to force a Hornet timeout, and after the break, the visitors continued to lead until they clinched the set 25-22.
Emporia State responded well to the 2-0 deficit early in the third set by taking a 7-4 advantage. The Ichabods closed the gap to 11-10 to force a timeout by the Hornets, but ESU quickly answered with four of five to jump ahead by four. Washburn wouldn't go away however, as they again pulled within one at 17-16. The Hornets would respond again to the Ichabod push, as they pushed ahead to win set three 25-22.
The Hornets continued their improved play into set four, as they out hit the Ichabods .237 to .025 in the frame. Emporia State never trailed in the fourth and sealed a 25-19 win to force a fifth set.
In the final frame, Emporia State controlled the first half, jumping out to an 8-4 edge on the Ichabods. However, Washburn responded with six straight to lead 10-8 and were able to hold off the Hornets to take the set 15-13.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State hit .174 as a team while Washburn posted a .191 mark on the night. Lavra Krizanic had 15 kills and 15 digs, while Ryann Hamilton had 12 kills and nine blocks, both new career-highs.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will hit the road as they travel to take on Northeastern State on Friday, October 9 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. First serve between the Hornets and Riverhawks is set for 6:00 p.m.
