Hailey
Emporia State Volleyball: The Emporia State Hornets volleyball team continues to dominate the court! On Friday night, the Hornets pulled off a thrilling five-set comeback win over Pittsburg State, extending their winning streak to 13 games.
The match was full of intense rallies, strong performances, and determination as Emporia State refused to give up even when they were behind.
How The Match Unfolded
A Tough Start For The Hornets
Emporia State had a rough beginning. Their offense struggled early in the game, hitting just .087 in the first set. Meanwhile, Pittsburg State took advantage and captured the opening frame 25-22, taking a quick 1-0 lead in the match.
Finding Momentum in the Second Set
The Hornets bounced back in the second set, improving their hitting and teamwork. They outplayed the Gorillas to claim a 25-21 victory, evening the score at 1-1. The Hornets’ offense looked sharper, and the crowd could sense a comeback building.
Set Three Brings More Challenges
Just when things looked stable, Emporia State’s errors started piling up again. Their mistakes outnumbered their kills, giving Pittsburg State a chance to regain control. The Gorillas took the third set 25-19, putting Emporia State on the edge of defeat with a 2-1 lead in the match.
The Turning Point: Fourth Set Comeback
The fourth set seemed to be slipping away early as Pittsburg State jumped to a 12-5 lead. Even at 15-9, the Hornets looked in trouble. But this is where their fighting spirit shone through.
Emporia State launched a massive 14-4 scoring run, turning the set around dramatically. The Hornets’ energy and determination helped them secure a 25-22 win, forcing a fifth and final set.
| Set | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Set 1 | Pittsburg State | 25–22 |
| Set 2 | Emporia State | 25–21 |
| Set 3 | Pittsburg State | 25–19 |
| Set 4 | Emporia State | 25–22 |
| Set 5 | Emporia State | 15–11 |
Decisive Fifth Set
With momentum on their side, the Hornets started strong in the final set. They scored four straight points, forcing Pittsburg State to call a timeout.
The Gorillas fought back to tie it 8-8, but Emporia State quickly responded by scoring six of the next seven points, eventually sealing the victory 15-11.
Key Player Performances
Despite hitting just .131 overall, their second-lowest mark of the season, the Hornets showcased individual brilliance that made the difference.
| Player | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|
| Lavra Krizanic | Career-high 24 kills – led the attack and sparked the comeback. |
| Brailee Bogle | Tied her season-high with 33 assists. |
| Boglarka Rady | Set a new career-high with 33 digs. |
These impressive numbers show how each player stepped up when the team needed them most.
What’s Next For The Hornets
Emporia State will return home on Tuesday, October 7, to face #10-ranked Washburn at White Auditorium.
The match, known as the Turnpike Tussle, will start at 6:00 p.m. and is also designated as the SAAC Big Game. Fans are eager to see if the Hornets can continue their hot streak and make it 14 in a row.
Record-Setting Streak
This 13-match winning streak ties the longest streak in Emporia State volleyball history. The last time the Hornets achieved this feat was back in 2009—a season remembered for its dominance. With such consistent performances, this team looks ready to make history once again.
Emporia State’s thrilling win over Pittsburg State proved one thing — this team never gives up. From a shaky start to a stunning comeback, the Hornets showed heart, skill, and unity.
Their 13th consecutive win marks not just a number, but a statement of determination and team spirit. With big matches ahead, fans can expect even more exciting performances from this confident and resilient squad.