Pittsburg, Kan. – The Pittsburg State University volleyball team travel to Edmond, Okla., Saturday (Sept. 16) for an early MIAA test against No. 25 University of Central Oklahoma. First serve is set for 6 p.m. (CDT) at Hamilton Field House.

The Gorilla Scoop
Pitt State is 5-4 overall and 1-0 in MIAA play. The Gorillas dispatched Newman University, 3-0, Tuesday (Sept. 12) in the conference opener for both programs. Pitt State posted a 3-1 record last weekend in the 2023 Gorilla Classic.

Senior outside hitter Janae Thurston (Peculiar, Mo.) leads the team with 124.5 points (3.77 per set) and 108 kills (3.27 per set) while also contributing 102 digs (3.09 per set) and 18 total blocks (0.55 per set) to date. Thurston currently leads in the MIAA in points.

Junior setter Jadyn Jackson (Augusta, Kan.) has orchestrated the offense this season to the tune of 293 assists (8.88 per set). She also has totaled 101 digs (3.06 per set), 32 kills (0.97 per set) and 15 service aces (0.45 per set). Jackson ranks third in the MIAA in assists and fifth in the league in services aces.

Redshirt junior middle hitter Carly Clennan (El Dorado, Kan.) leads the team and ranks fourth in the MIAA in blocks (1.10 per set). In addition to her 32 total blocks, Clennan has compiled 58.5 points (2.02 per set) and 41 kills (1.41 per set).

Additionally, junior outside hitter Seville Gates (Merriam, Kan.) has contributed 77.5 points (2.58 per set) and 66 kills (2.20 per set), while junior outside hitter Ivy Fink (Hoyt, Kan.) has compiled 65.5 points (1.98 per set), 52 kills (1.58 per set) and 88 digs (2.67 per set).

Sophomore libero Josie McCroskey (Springdale, Ark.) has posted a team-leading 125 digs to date. She ranks fifth in the MIAA in digs (3.79 per set).

Head Coach Jen Gomez
Jen Gomez is in her eighth season leading the Gorillas. She has a compiled a 92-99 (.482) 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 252-216 (.538) career coaching record. She earned her 250^th career coaching victory in the Gorillas 3-1 win against Northwestern Oklahoma on Sept. 8.

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.

Here Come The 'Chos
Central Oklahoma enters Saturday's action seeking its 10th win of the season as the Bronchos sport a 9-1 overall record. This will be UCO's MIAA opener.

Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Huck has contributed a team-leading 115.0 points (3.38 per set) and 106 kills (3.12 per set) to rank second in points and third in kills among MIAA ranks.

Junior middle blocker Jenna Karp leads the way in total blocks with 19 (0.59 per set) while adding 97 kills (3.03) as well.

Junior defensive specialist Jaedynn Evans has a team-high 121 digs (5.50 per set) along with 25 assists (1.14 per set).

Sophomore Lindsey Houran and freshman Riley Roberts share the setting duties with Houran contributing 264 assists (8.52 per set) and Roberts totalling 139 assists (6.04 per set).

Up Next
Following the Gorillas road match against the Bronchos Saturday, Pitt State will travel to Kearney, Neb., next Friday (Sept. 22) to battle the University of Nebraska - Kearney Lopers. First serve is set for 6 p.m. (CDT) at UNK's Health & Sports Center.