Gorillas Set to Host Newman in Mid-Week MIAA Match

By Press release submission

Oct 17, 2022

The Pittsburg State University volleyball team returns from the road to play host to MIAA rival Newman University Tuesday (Oct. 18). First serve is set for 6 p.m. (CDT) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.

The Gorillas and Jets will meet for the second time this season. Pitt State rallied from a 2-1 deficit to beat Newman, 3-2, at Wichita on Sept. 10.

The Matchup:

· The Gorillas bring a 13-10 overall record and a 7-7 mark in MIAA play into Tuesday's action. Pitt State split a pair of weekend road matches last week. The Gorillas posted a 3-1 win over Missouri Western last Friday (Oct. 14) at St. Joseph, Mo., before dropping a 3-0 decision to No. 25 ranked Central Missouri last Saturday (Oct. 15) at Warrensburg, Mo.

· The Jets sport a 7-16 overall record and a 2-11 MIAA mark. Nebraska-Kearney swept Newman, 3-0, in the Jets last contest Saturday at Wichita.

Scouting the Gorillas

· Outside Hitters Meg Auten and Janae Thurston lead the offensive attack for the Gorillas. Auten became a member of the 1,000 kills club last Friday in the 3-1 victory over MWSU. Thurston comes into Tuesday night's match averaging 2.99 kills per set.

· Setter Brianna Richard has been a big contributor to the Gorillas offensive attack this season. She comes into the week averaging 10.65 assists per set. The Ames, Iowa, native surpassed the 3,000 career assists mark in last Saturday's loss to Central Missouri.

· Graduate Libero Marissa Bates continues to lead the Gorillas in the digs category. The Silver Lake, Kan., native averages 5.16 digs per set, which puts her at third on the MIAA leaderboard.

Scouting the Jets

· Outside Hitter Riley Daugherty leads the offensive attack for the Jets coming into Tuesday night's match. Daugherty averages 3.12 kills per set, (7th in the MIAA).

· Middle Hitter Ozioma Ajekwu is a threat on both ends of the court for the Jets. Ajekwu leads the Jets in hitting percentage at .262. Also, Ajekwu paces the Jets in blocks per set with 1.12, ranking second in the MIAA in that category.

Original source can be found here.