Hailey
The Emporia State Hornets volleyball team opened their 2025 season with a challenging game against #16 ranked Point Loma Sea Lions.
The match, held as part of the San Diego Invite, tested the Hornets’ skills right from the beginning. Although Emporia State fought with energy and determination, the Hornets could not hold back the nationally ranked squad and eventually fell in straight sets (3-0).
Even though the result was not in Emporia State’s favor, the match showcased several positive performances from both new and experienced players.
Fans also witnessed how close the Hornets came in the later sets, which suggests that the team has the potential to grow stronger as the season progresses.
Set One – A Strong Start but Point Loma Pulls Away
The first set started evenly, with both teams battling point for point. The score was tied 6-6 in the early exchanges, showing that Emporia State was ready to challenge a top opponent.
However, Point Loma quickly shifted momentum by going on a 10-3 scoring run. This forced Emporia State to call both of their timeouts to slow down the pressure.
Despite regrouping, the Hornets struggled to recover from the big run. The Sea Lions maintained control and closed the set with a 25-17 win, giving them the early 1-0 lead in the match.
Set Two – Hornets Fight Back Hard
The Hornets did not let the opening loss bring them down. In the second set, they came out with energy and grabbed a 10-5 lead, thanks to three big kills from Nyia Anderson. This strong start forced Point Loma to call an early timeout.
But Point Loma responded in style, rallying to take a 16-13 advantage midway through the set. The Hornets showed resilience, with freshman Emma Klett delivering three quick kills to tie the score again.
The teams traded points until the score reached 22-22. At this crucial stage, Point Loma’s experience showed as they scored three of the final four points. The Sea Lions took the second set 25-23, giving them a 2-0 advantage despite Emporia State’s spirited fight.
Set Three – A Nail-Biting Finish
The third set turned into the most competitive of the night. Both sides exchanged points, and neither allowed the other to build a big lead. At 19-15, Point Loma forced Emporia State into a timeout.
The Hornets refused to give up, fighting back to tie the score at 23-23. A clutch kill from Nyia Anderson then gave Emporia State their first late lead at 24-23, bringing them just one point away from forcing a fourth set.
However, Point Loma called a timeout and immediately responded with three straight points. They snatched the set 26-24 and secured the match in straight sets (3-0).
Key Match Stats
Even though Emporia State lost, several players delivered standout performances.
| Player | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| Nyia Anderson | 11 kills, .308 hitting percentage |
| Emma Klett | 6 kills off the bench, .455 hitting percentage |
| Lavra Krizanic | 5 kills |
| Camilla Ossola | 5 kills, 5 block assists |
| Dexter & Bogle | 26 combined assists |
| Brooklyn Weaver | 2 solo blocks, 4 block assists |
What’s Next for Emporia State?
The Hornets will continue their San Diego Invite campaign with their next match against Cal State-San Bernardino on Friday, September 5, at 3:00 p.m. PT.
This game offers another chance for Emporia State to test themselves against a tough opponent while aiming to pick up their first win of the season.
While Emporia State could not secure a victory against #16 Point Loma, the Hornets proved they could compete with a nationally ranked team.
They showed determination, teamwork, and moments of brilliance, particularly from Anderson, Klett, and Weaver. The close sets, especially the third, highlight the potential of this young squad.
As the season continues, the Hornets will aim to turn their strong efforts into wins. Fans should remain optimistic, as this opener was not just a loss—it was also a sign of growth, promise, and fight.
The road ahead may be challenging, but the Hornets have the tools to bounce back and make the 2025 season an exciting one.