PITTSBURG­­ — The Pittsburg State University volleyball team completed a clean sweep of its competition in the Gorilla Classic Saturday (Sept. 3) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court.
 
After posting wins over New Mexico Highlands and Mary Friday, Pitt State rolled past Arkansas Monticello, 3-1, and Cameron, 3-0, Saturday. The wins helped the Gorillas improve to 5-3 on the season.
 
Against the Cotton Blossoms, the Gorillas sped out to a 2-0 lead by claiming 25-20 and 25-17 set victories. UAM bounced back with a hard fought 26-24 decision in set three, but Pitt State slammed the door on a Cotton Blossom comeback by a 25-13 win in set four.
 
Seville Gates enjoyed a solid outing with 14 kills and 15.5 points in the match. Brianna Richard made 32 assists and Marissa Bates posted a team-leading 25 digs.
 
In the tournament finale, the Gorillas beat the Aggies in straight sets: 25-13, 26-24, 27-25.
 
Janae Thurston registered a career-high 20 kills and added 18 digs in the match. Richard added 42 assists and Bates chipped in with 18 digs.
 
The Gorillas will open MIAA play next week with road matches against Central Oklahoma Friday (Sept. 9) and Newman Saturday (Sept. 10).