EMPORIA, Kan. – The No. 9 Washburn Ichabods (15-1, 4-1 MIAA) kept their impressive run alive Tuesday night, securing their 15th consecutive Turnpike Tussle victory with a commanding 3-0 sweep over Emporia State (25-22, 25-17, 25-17).
The win showcased Washburn’s balance and consistency, halting Emporia State’s 13-match winning streak and reaffirming the Ichabods’ dominance in the MIAA conference.
Match Recap: Washburn’s Offense Shines
Despite Emporia State’s momentum coming into the match with a 13-3 overall record, the Hornets struggled to match Washburn’s intensity and precision.
- Austin Broadie led the Ichabods with 10 kills, pacing the offense effectively.
- Emery Keebaugh contributed nine kills, while Alex Dvorak added eight, demonstrating Washburn’s offensive depth.
Stellar Setting and Defense from Washburn
The team’s success also stemmed from its exceptional playmaking.
- Corinna McMullen tallied a match-high 18 assists, supported by Sydney Conner’s 16 assists.
- Together, McMullen and Conner combined for 20 digs, helping maintain the team’s defensive edge throughout all three sets.
Emporia State’s Effort Falls Short
While the Hornets put up a strong effort, they couldn’t sustain offensive pressure.
- Camilla Ossola and Lavra Krizanic each registered seven kills, leading the Emporia State attack.
- Delainee Dexter managed 14 assists, while Boglarka Rady collected 12 digs, but Washburn’s execution ultimately proved too strong.
Upcoming Matches
The Ichabods will continue their campaign Friday night at 6:00 PM in Topeka, where they’ll face Fort Hays State in another key MIAA showdown.
Meanwhile, the Hornets will stay home, hosting No. 2 Nebraska-Kearney at the same time — a major test following their setback against Washburn.
Washburn’s dominant sweep over Emporia State highlighted the team’s balanced offense, strong defense, and unwavering focus.
With this victory, the Ichabods continue to reinforce their reputation as one of the top volleyball programs in the nation, while Emporia State will look to regroup quickly before taking on another powerhouse opponent.