PITTSBURG — A late surge by the Missouri Western State University Griffons in the fourth set doomed the Pittsburg State University Gorillas at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court Saturday (Nov. 2).

Missouri Western won with set scores of 25-23, 25-19, 22-25 and 28-26. With the win the Griffons improved to 14-10 overall and 8-8 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play while Pitt State fell to 12-13 overall and 7-8 in the league.

The first set saw both teams battle with neither team getting much momentum behind to make any runs. The Griffons took a 20-18 lead forcing coach Jen Gomez to call her first timeout of the match. With the Gorillas only having one sub remaining they made the set very interesting as they tied the match at 21 before the Griffons called their first timeout. Pitt State than took a 23-22 lead forcing the second and final timeout for the Griffons before MWSU scored the final three points of the set for a 25-23 win.

The second set was close early, however, an advantage given on a challenge allowed the Griffons to win the second set 25-19.

The Gorillas were down big in the middle of the third, however a 9-3 run that included three Ivkov kills helped them pull ahead 20-19. Pitt State was able to hold on and finish the set with a 25-22 win.

The fourth set had the Gorillas gain more traction as they led late, 23-18. The Griffons were able to rally back and close the gap to just two points, 23-21. The Griffons applied more pressure in an attempt to stop the momentum and trailed 24-23. MWSU was able to capitalize on some late attacks to get the win 28-26.

The Gorillas got 29 assists from Brianna Richard and 22 more from Marissa Bates. Ivkov was the top attacker with 16 kills while Meg Auten posted 14.

The Gorillas will hit the road for the final four matches of the regular season. Pitt State will take on Washburn next Friday (Nov. 8) and Emporia State on Saturday (Nov. 9). First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.