WICHITA, Kan. – The Pittsburg State University volleyball team rolled to a straight set victory over Newman University Tuesday (Oct. 17). The Gorillas defeated the Jets 25-17, 25-21, 25-13 at Fugate Gymnasium.

Pitt State (7-13, 3-9 MIAA) was led by Janae Thurston with 13 kills from 36 attacks for a .222 hitting percentage and six digs. Jadyn Jackson recorded her ninth double-double of the season posting 25 assists and 12 digs, while Josie McCrosky finished with a team-best 15 digs. Carly Clennan totaled five blocks (three solo, two assists) and Ivy Fink had 10 kills from 17 attacks with no errors for a team-best .588 hitting percentage.

In the first set, the Gorillas hit .206 with Thurston leading the way with six kills in 12 attempts. Seville Gates had three kills from seven attempts and Jadyn Jackson finished the set with seven assists, five digs and a service ace.

The second set featured 17 ties and six lead changes with the Gorillas posting the best hitting percentage of the match at .297. Fink posted four kills from five attacks and four other Gorillas added multiple kills in the set. Jackson collected nine assists and three digs with Clennan contributed two solo blocks.

PItt State used an 8-3 run to break open a 2-2 score early in set three and take control against the Jets. As a team the Gorillas hit .281 in the set with Fink and Thurston posting four kills each. Jackson totaled nine assists and four digs; McCroskey finished with seven digs and Clennan chipped in with a solo and assisted block.

Up next, Pitt State will return home to entertain Fort Hays State Friday (Oct. 20) and No. 8 Nebraska-Kearney Saturday (Oct. 21) to wrap up a three-match week.