The #17 Emporia State volleyball team’s bid for a reverse sweep came up short in a five-set heartbreaker at White Auditorium on Saturday night. Washburn cruised early but fought off the Lady Hornets for a 25-15, 25-22, 22-25, 19-25, 15-13 victory in front of over 1,000 fans in Emporia. ESU was overwhelmed early as Washburn committed just five errors in the first two sets combined while ESU had 15, but the Lady Hornets cooled off the Washburn attackers in the third and fourth while hitting better than .230 in both frames. ESU led 8-4 in the fifth set, but Washburn got on a service run after siding out to score six in a row and take control of the set. ESU tied it at 10 and then later tied it at 13-all, but couldn’t hold off their rivals. Head coach Ken Murczek gave credit to their rivals but said ESU’s own mistakes were tough to overcome.
Lavra Krizanic picked up a double-double with 15 kills and 15 digs to go along with six blocks while Brailee Bogle commanded the offense with 47 assists. Ryann Hamilton posted career highs with 12 terminations and nine blocks. By the narrowest of margins, Washburn escaped with their 17th straight Turnpike Tussle victory. ESU (15-3, 2-2 MIAA) heads on the road Friday to face Northeastern State.
