PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg State University volleyball team will host matches against Washburn and Emporia State this weekend to conclude a five-match home stand.

The Gorillas will meet the Ichabods Friday (Oct. 6) at 6 p.m. (CDT) at John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court. Pitt State will then battle Emporia State Saturday (Oct. 7) at 6 p.m.

The Gorilla Scoop
Pitt State is 6-9 overall and 2-5 in MIAA play thus far. The Gorillas fell to the 20^th ranked UCO Bronchos (3-0) last Tuesday (Sept. 26) before dropping a pair of 3-1 decisions against Missouri Southern (Sept. 29) and Central Missouri (Sept. 30).

Senior outside hitter Janae Thurston (Peculiar, Mo.) leads the team with 195.5 points (3.62 per set) and 171 kills (3.17 per set) while also contributing 173 digs (3.20 per set) and 23 total blocks (0.43 per set) to date. Thurston currently ranks sixth in the MIAA for kills and seventh in points.

Junior setter Jadyn Jackson (Augusta, Kan.) has orchestrated the offense this season to the tune of 472 assists (8.74 per set). She also has totaled 164 digs (3.04 per set), 45 kills (0.83 per set) and 26 service aces (0.48 per set). Jackson ranks second in the MIAA for service aces and eighth in assists.

Redshirt junior middle hitter Carly Clennan (El Dorado, Kan.) leads the team and ranks sixth in the MIAA in blocks (1.00 per set). In addition to her 50 total blocks, Clennan has compiled 105.0 points (2.10 per set) and 77 kills (1.54 per set).

Additionally, junior outside hitter Seville Gates (Merriam, Kan.) has contributed 92.5 points (2.31 per set) and 80 kills (2.00 per set), while junior outside hitter Ivy Fink (Hoyt, Kan.) has compiled 90.0 points (1.84 per set), 73 kills (1.49 per set) and 126 digs (2.57 per set).

Sophomore libero Josie McCroskey (Springdale, Ark.) has posted a team-leading 238 digs to date. She ranks sixth in the MIAA in digs (4.41 per set).

Head Coach Jen Gomez
Jen Gomez is in her eighth season leading the Gorillas. She has a compiled a 88-124 (.415) overall record at Pitt State and led the Gorillas to four straight MIAA Tournament appearances.

Overall, Gomez has 16 years of collegiate head coaching experience and a 290-259 (.528) career coaching record.

Gomez averaged 26.8 wins per year in five seasons as head coach at Oklahoma City University from 2006-10 while restarting a program that had been dormant on campus since 1983.

A Look At The Ichabods
The 19th ranked Washburn Ichabods enter the week with a 10-3 overall record (4-2 MIAA). On the road, they are 1-2 with losses to Florida Southern (3-0) on Sept. 1 and Central Missouri (3-0) on Sept. 23.

Junior outside hitter Jalyn Stevenson has contributed a team-leading 171.5 points 3.73 per set) and 150 kills (3.26 per set) along with having 128 digs (2.78 per set) to rank fifth in kills and 11^th in points.

Graduate right side hitter Rachel Schwensen and freshman outside hitter Rylee Unruh have eclipsed 100 kills this season with Schwesen posting 130 (2.83 per set) while adding 36 total blocks (0.78 per set) and Unruh having 101 kills (2.20 per set) and 127 digs (2.76 per set).

Freshman defensive specalist Taylor Rottinghaus has a team-leading 186 digs (4.54 per set) to rank fourth in the MIAA.

Sophomores Corinna McMullen and Sydney Conner handle the setting duties for a combined 502 assists (10.91 per set).

A New Era Of Stingers
Emporia State enters the week with a 7-7 overall (1-5 MIAA). The Lady Hornets are 1-4 on the road with their lone win coming against William Jewell (3-0) on Sept. 1.

Junior outside hitter Sandora Sasaki leads the team with 222.0 points (4.53 per set) and 204 kills (4.16 per set) to rank first in kills and second in points among MIAA ranks.

Junior defensive specalist Anakaren Chavez has 149 digs (3.04 per set) to lead the team and rank 16th in the MIAA.

Senior middle hitter McKenya Sorrells leads the team with 41 total blocks (0.98 per set) along with having 117.0 points (2.79 per set) and 80 kills (1.90 per set) to rank eighth in blocks among MIAA ranks.

Freshman Brailee Bogle handles the setting duties to the tune of 442 assists (9.02 per set) ranking sixth in the MIAA.

Up Next
Following the weekend action, the Gorillas will travel to Missouri Western Friday, Oct. 13, with first serve from the MWSU Fieldhouse at 6 p.m. (CDT). Pitt State will meet Northwest Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m. at Bearcat Arena.