PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg State University Gorillas Volleyball Team opened the 2019 campaign on the right foot on Thursday afternoon here on Whetzel Court in John Lance Arena. The Gorillas defeated the East Central University Tigers in three straight sets to open action in the 2019 Gorilla Classic Volleyball Tournament.

Pitt State, now 1-0 early in the season, struggled to get their footing early by allowing the East Central to battle in and out of the action. The Gorillas were able to rally back and with the help of 15 first set kills took a 25-15 set one win.

The second saw Pitt State add an additional 15 kills as they led the entire way before getting a 25-8 win.

In the third set saw East Central attempt to stay in the game but late pressure by the Gorillas allowed them to close out the game 25-19.

During the contest Pitts State dominated with 47 kills compared to just 23 for East Central. They also tallied five aced compared to two and six blocks compared to just two.

Senior outside hitter Erika Ivkov (Ward, Colo.) led the Gorillas with 12 kills while teammate sophomore middle blocker Morgan Henning (Seneca, Mo.) tallied ten kills and led Pitt State with four blocks. Brianna Richard had 36 assists to pace the Gorillas.

The 2019 Gorilla Classic Volleyball Tournament will continue on Friday, Sept. 6th with five more games. The host Gorillas will be in action at 2 p.m. when they host Midwestern State, a team that will be playing their second game of the tournament and day.