August 29, 2026 – Emporia State volleyball wrapped up the opening weekend in Big Rapids with their best attacking match, hitting .317 on their way to a sweep over Purdue Northwest on Saturday morning.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set one was back and forth in the early portion between Emporia State and Purdue Northwest, as the first frame was tied 12-12 midway through. Neither team gained an advantage as the set carried on, with the score knotted at 19-19. The Hornets finally broke through, scoring the final six points, which included five kills from Piper Bahr.
Emporia State gained control of set two earlier than the first, building an 11-6 lead over the Pride. Purdue Northwest hung around in the frame, trailing the Hornets 16-13 before Emporia State scored nine of 11 to close it out 25-15 to take the 2-0 lead in the match.
The third set was again back and forth early on before Emporia State grabbed a 14-9 lead, however Purdue Northwest rallied to cut it down to just one point as the Hornets held a slim 16-15 advantage. Emporia State then responded yet again, as four straight points including three kills by Jade Xu restored the five-point lead as the Hornets used the momentum to grab the third frame 25-19 and complete the sweep.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
Emporia State had their best hitting percentage of the young season, hitting .317 with 47 kills over the three sets. Piper Bahr notched an early career-high with 13 kills while Lavra Krizanic had nine on .389 hitting and Jade Xu had eight kills and converted 50% of her attempts. Delainee Dexter had 19 kills while Brailee Bogle had 13 of her own.
On defense, Krizanic had 17 digs while Dexter and Miyu Tsurumaki had ten each.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will continue their road trip to open the season, traveling to Sioux Falls, S.D. for four matches on September 3-5. The Hornets will open the tournament against Sioiux Falls on Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 p.m.
