PITTSBURG – The Pittsburg State University volleyball opened MIAA play in strong fashion with a quick straight set victory over Newman University Tuesday (Sept. 12) at John Lance Arena. The Gorillas topped the Jets 25-11, 25-20, 25-15.

Janae Thurston hit an efficient .440 in the match, spiking 11 kills in just 25 attempts. She posted her fifth double-double of the season by adding 13 digs on the defensive side of the net. Jadyn Jackson added 31 assists and Carly Clennan sparked the Gorillas with three blocks.

The Gorillas (5-4, 1-0 MIA) stormed out of the gates to a 13-4 advantage in set one. Clennan and Ivy Fink posted three kills apiece in the set. The Jets (0-8, 0-1 MIAA) jumped out to a 10-5 margin in set two before Pitt State swung the momentum with a 9-2 run. Thurston compiled five of her match high 11 kills and four digs in the frame.

The Gorillas used an 8-1 run in set three to break open a 13-13 contest. Thurston added five kills again in the final set.

Seville Gates finished the match with seven kills while Clennan added six kills to her block total in the contest.

The Gorillas will continue MIAA play Saturday (Sept. 16) when they travel to Edmond, Okla., to battle the 25th ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos at 6 p.m. (CDT).