The #12 Emporia State volleyball team opened up a four-match homestand to end the year with a sweep of Central Oklahoma on Wednesday at White Auditorium. The Bronchos battled early but faded in a 28-26, 25-13, 25-15 ESU built a 13-8 lead in the first but the Bronchos battled back with an 8-1 run to take a 16-14 edge. The Lady Hornets took the advantage back by scoring four of the next five points. The ‘Chos saved three set points but a stuff by Emma Klett gave ESU the early 1-0 lead. The Black & Gold raced out to a 9-1 run to start set two and coasted to the set win as they held the Bronchos to just five kills with nine errors in the frame. A 5-0 run staked E-State to a 9-3 lead early in the third set and the Bronze & Blue never got closer after that. Brooklyn Weaver hit .471 in the match with nine kills while Lavra Krizanic also added nine. ESU held the ‘Chos to .061 hitting in the match, a season low. The match ended a 12-match losing streak to the ‘Chos dating back to 2018. UCO had beaten E-State 25 of the last 26 times prior to Wednesday. Senior setter Brailee Bogle was glad to finally end the streak.
Head coach Ken Murczek credited the team’s passing with getting Weaver going from her middle blocker spot.
ESU (22-3, 7-2 MIAA) returns home on Thursday to host the Newman Jets at 6:00 p.m.
