TOPEKA, Kan. – Western State Colorado University volleyball played their final matches of the Capitol Plaza Invite on Saturday in Topeka, Kansas. The Mountaineers faced two talented teams, but were unable to come away with an upset, losing to No. 16 Washburn University and Emporia State University.
 
Western (0-4, 0-0 RMAC) lost both matches in three sets. Against Washburn (2-1, 0-0 MIAA), the Mountaineers fell 25-8, 25-16 and 25-12. Against Emporia (1-3, 0-0 MIAA), Western fell 25-15, 25-19 and 25-20.
 
The nationally ranked Washburn proved a tough task for the Mountaineers. However, setter Hanna Hendrickson recorded 17 assists, one fewer than the Washburn setter, Allison Sadler.
 
Despite going down two sets, Western fought hard in the third set and led the Ichabods 3-2. The Mountaineers played the third set right with Washburn and were down just three points, 8-11, near the midway point of the set. However, a run by Washburn would put the set and match out of reach for the Mountaineers.
 
Kiki Johnson led Western in kills and points, recording eight kills and nine points.
 
In the following match against Emporia State, the Mountaineer once again showed their serving prowess, earning four points by service ace.
 
However, Emporia came out shooting and got out to a 7-0 lead in the first set. It would be a deficit too large to overcome for Western.
 
In the second set, Western settled down and played right with the Hornets. A kill by Emilee Scates gave the Mountaineers a 15-13 lead. Unfortunately for Western, a 9-4 run by Emporia put the Hornets ahead 24-17, before they closed out the set, 25-19.
 
The third set against Emporia was a back-and-forth affair. There was a total of 13 ties and six lead changes in the third set, with the last tie coming at the 18-point mark. A 7-2 run for the Hornets would put the set and match away.
 
Jordan Eatwell led the Mountaineers with eight kills and eight points. Hendrickson led all players with 22 assists.

Western continues the season next Thursday against the University of Nebraska – Kearney in Kearney, Nebraska at 7 p.m. The Mountaineers will then play in UNK's tournament over the following two days, playing four more matches.