PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State university volleyball team is set to open Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play with a pair of weekend matches. The Gorillas will entertain the University of Central Oklahoma Friday (Sept. 17) before making the short trek to Joplin, Mo., to battle Missouri Southern State University Saturday (Sept. 18) afternoon.
Pitt State and UCO will take the court at 6 p.m. (CDT) Friday at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court. First serve for the Gorillas tussle with the Lady Lions is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Robert Ellis Young Gymnasium.
Pitt State is 6-2 on the young season and riding a five-match win streak after sweeping its competition in the Gorilla Classic in Pittsburg. The Gorillas claimed victories over Truman, Northwestern Oklahoma, Sioux Falls and St. Mary's (Texas) in the tournament.
The Matchups
- The Gorillas are 6-2 on the season, while the Bronchos enter Friday's action with a 7-1 mark. The Lady Lions are 3-5 heading into a Friday contest against MIAA rival Newman University.
Scouting The Gorillas
- Junior outside hitter Meg Auten leads the Gorillas in kills with 54 and an average of 3.86 kills per set.
- Auten also ranks 5th in the MIAA for serving aces with 12.
- Junior Brianna Richard has compiled 271 assists in 28 sets thus far, averaging 9.68 assists per set – the third-best mark in the MIAA thus far.
Scouting The Bronchos
- The Bronchos posted a 4-0 record at their home tournament last weekend. UCO posted wins over Western Colorado, Western New Mexico, East Central (Okla.) and Oklahoma Christian.
- Sophomore outside hitter Courtney Lane leads UCO and the MIAA in kills with 121 (4.17 kps).
Scouting The Lady Lions
- The Lady Lions posted a 2-2 record at the Kentucky Wesleyan Invitational last weekend.
- Senior outside hitter CC Pollard ranks 7th in the MIAA in kills with 87 (3.35 kps). Pollard also ranks 9th in the MIAA in points (98.5).
