Hornet Volleyball Embarks on Key MIAA Road Trip Facing Ranked Griffons and Bearcats
ST. JOSEPH, MO – Emporia State volleyball hits the road this week for a crucial pair of MIAA matchups, beginning with a Friday contest against Northwest Missouri followed by a Saturday showdown with #23 Missouri Western. The Hornets (currently unranked) are looking to build momentum after strong performances from key players and navigate a challenging schedule in the competitive MIAA.
This road trip represents a significant test for Emporia State, as they face a Griffons team tied for the conference lead and a Bearcats squad aiming to improve their standing.Success against these opponents could elevate the Hornets in the MIAA standings and bolster their regional ranking.
Leading the Hornet attack is outside hitter Camilla Ossola, who boasts the highest hitting percentage among outside hitters at .244. Ossola recently earned MIAA Athlete of the Week honors following strong showings against Northwest Missouri and Missouri Western in the opening week of conference play. Middle blocker Mia Frisbie anchors the defensive front with 11 solo blocks and 67 block assists. Brooklynn Weaver, Lavra Krizanic, Emma Klett, and Delainee Dexter also contribute substantially to the Hornet offense, while Dexter and junior setter Brailee Bogle are effectively utilizing a 6-2 rotation, combining for 10.54 assists per set.
Missouri Western enters the weekend with a 16-5 overall record and an 8-2 MIAA mark, sharing the conference lead with Emporia State and Nebraska-Kearney.The Griffons’ attack is spearheaded by Taylor Russell, emma Salker, and Noelle Sutcliffe, each averaging over 2.45 kills per set. their setting duo of Hayley Barsky and Katelyn Diani-O’Day average more than twelve assists per set. Defensively,Russell,Salker,and Trista Marx each have at least 45 total blocks.
Northwest Missouri currently holds an 8-11 record, with a 2-8 MIAA record. The Bearcats are led offensively by Kasidy Mohwinkle, who hits .266 and averages 3.03 kills per set. Ella caffery is fourth in the MIAA with 10.02 assists per set. As a team, Northwest Missouri limits opponents to a .183 hitting percentage while posting a .200 hitting percentage themselves.
