JOPLIN, MO. ­– The Pittsburg State University volleyball team went on the road Tuesday (Oct.4) and defeated the Missouri Southern Lady Lions, 3-1. 

The Gorillas took the first set behind the efforts of Rightside Hitter Jayden Sanford. Sanford, with six kills in the set, led the Gorillas to a 25-20 first set victory. The Lady Lions would take their only set of the night in set two winning it 25-16. In the third set, the Gorillas took advantage of nine MSSU errors to win the set 25-13. In the final set, the Gorillas would gather 16 kills, including eight kills from Meg Auten to take the set, 25-22, and win the match 3-1. 

Outside Hitters Meg Auten, Jayden Sanford and Janae Thurston led the way for the Gorillas on the offensive end. Auten led the team in kills with 16 and gathered 12 digs. Sanford had a double-double, including a career-high 15 kills as well as 14 digs. Thurston had 10 kills and added four blocks. Setter Brianna Richard contributed 40 assists on the evening for the Gorillas. Marissa Bates led the Gorillas on the defensive end with 19 digs. 

The Gorillas will continue on in MIAA action this weekend as they host No.5 Nebraska-Kearney Friday (Oct. 7) and Fort Hays State Saturday (Oct. 8). Both matches start at 6 p.m. (CDT) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.