Missouri Western volleyball’s impressive season continues with major upset
By Calvin Silvers
The Missouri Western Griffons volleyball team is riding high after a weekend of celebration, securing two impressive victories, including a standout four-set win against the 11th-ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos. This victory handed UCO their first loss of the season and propelled the Griffons to a 14-4 overall record.
With their recent success, Missouri Western now finds itself in third place in the MIAA, just one game shy of second place and two games from the top spot. The Griffons are on track to surpass last season’s win total, aiming for four more victories to exceed 20 wins for the second consecutive year.
Head Coach Jessica Fye, who took the reins in 2022, has played a pivotal role in the team’s transformation from an 11-win season to already tallying 14 wins this year. The Griffons have faced tough competition, playing six ranked opponents this season and holding a respectable 3-3 record against them.
“That was the best team win we’ve had all year. We had a lot of freshmen playing (last year), and gaining experience has helped them play more confidently,” Fye said. “We’re trying to build something great and contest in our league, aiming for NCAA tournaments. I think we have a great foundation started.”
While capturing major victories as a team, including three over-ranked opponents this season, the Griffons have some talented athletes. Senior setter Nessa Johnson was named the MIAA Setter of the Week for the second time this season, moving into fourth place all-time in assists at Missouri Western with a total of 2,992.
Senior Lily Kurz is Top-25 in the nation in blocks per set, while senior Hailey Crane reached the 1,000 career dig milestone this season against Missouri Western. As Fye has established her foundation, the team is thankful she has been able to unlock their potential.
“Everyone is dedicated to improving themselves, which improves the team as a whole,” Kurz said. “Coach Fye has contributed so much to our improvement with new drills every day, making practices fun and intense which is the most important thing that we get something out of every single practice.”
As the Griffons look ahead to their upcoming matches against Pittsburg State and Newman, both middle-pack teams in the MIAA, the momentum is on their side, as Missouri Western is poised for continued success.
The Griffons head to the Sunflower State this weekend to face Pittsburg State and Newman.
