MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Emporia State University Hornets posted a 3-1 defeat of the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team Friday at Bearcat Arena.
ESU won by scores of 27-25, 23-25, 25-18 and 25-20. ESU is 18-4 overall and 9-2 in MIAA play. Northwest is 8-12 overall and 2-9 in league action.
Northwest Missouri State began the first set with momentum swings as
Abby Bulthuis served an early ace to level the score at 2-2.
Ella Caffery and
Maja Noehrer contributed with kills, maintaining a back-and-forth contest. The team capitalized on errors by the Hornets, including a service ace from Caffery, to momentarily take the lead at 19-17.
As the set progressed, Northwest Missouri State kept pace with ESU, highlighted by Caffery's continued offensive contributions and
Kasidy Mohwinkle's block assisting in tying the score at 24-24. Caffery recorded her 28th career double-double and 11th this season with 39 assists and 12 digs, demonstrating her valuable contribution to the team's efforts. However, ESU secured a narrow 27-25 victory in the opening set, despite a late push from the home team.
In the second set, Northwest Missouri State responded to an early 3-0 deficit against ESU with a key block from
Maja Noehrer and
Natalie Herrington to secure their first point. The Bearcats gradually closed the gap with strategic plays, including kills by
Gabrielle Gartner and
Kasidy Mohwinkle, leveling the score at 7-7. Mohwinkle registered her fourth double-double of the season with 10 kills and 13 digs, adding strength to the Bearcats' performance.
As the set progressed, both teams traded points, maintaining a tense and even contest. Northwest Missouri State capitalized on several errors by the Hornets, and a service ace from
Karsen VanScoy provided a slight edge. VanScoy tallied her 20th consecutive double-figure dig match of the year with a 12-dig performance, showcasing her defensive prowess. Tied at 23-23,
Gabrielle Gartner's kill and a block by
Kate Frakes and Gartner on Nyia Anderson sealed the set for the Bearcats, 25-23.
Northwest Missouri State began the third set on a strong note, capitalizing on an attack error by ESU to secure the initial point. The Bearcats quickly built a 2-0 lead with a solid block from
Natalie Herrington and Gartner. However, the Hornets responded with a series of kills, leveling the score and then moving ahead.
Northwest Missouri State regained momentum with a sequence of errors forced on ESU, pushing ahead 8-6 after a block by Mohwinkle. The Bearcats maintained a narrow lead, but ESU's offense, led by Nyia Anderson, shifted the momentum back, allowing them to take a 10-9 advantage.
Despite strong defensive efforts, including blocks from Gartner and Frakes, Northwest Missouri State could not overcome the consistent offensive pressure from ESU. The set concluded with the Hornets taking it 25-18, sealing the match victory.
Northwest Mo. St. entered the fourth set trailing and aimed to shift momentum early. The team responded with key plays, highlighted by kills from Herrington and Mohwinkle, leveling the score at 11-11. Despite strong efforts, including a service ace from Bulthuis and multiple kills from Herrington, the team faced challenges in maintaining the lead.
As the set progressed, ESU capitalized on errors and delivered a series of successful plays, extending their advantage. Gartner and Frakes contributed crucial points to keep the match within reach, but the Hornets managed to maintain their edge. The set concluded with ESU securing a 25-20 victory, closing out the match. It is the first time since the 2011 season that Emporia State has defeated Northwest at home and on the road in the same season.
Ella Caffery recorded 39 assists over four sets, contributing significantly to the team's offensive performance.
Kasidy Mohwinkle tallied 10 kills and added 13 digs while also posting two solo blocks.
Gabrielle Gartner registered five block assists and notched nine kills, enhancing the defensive and offensive efforts.
Natalie Herrington also contributed defensively with five block assists and added nine kills to her name.
The next challenge for Northwest Missouri State is a home match against Washburn on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Maryville, Mo. Northwest will honor five seniors prior to the match.
