PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State Univeristy volleyball team is set to usher in the 2024 season by hosting the annual Gorilla Classic Friday and Saturday (Sept. 6-7) at John Lance Arena.
Single day tickets at $10 for adults and $5 for students.
Pitt State is scheduled to play in four matches over the two-day tournament. The Gorillas open the season with an 11:30 a.m. (CDT) match against Arkansas Tech Friday and end the day with a 7 p.m. match against Oklahoma Christian. On Saturday, Pitt State will battle Western Colorado at 2 p.m. and close out the weekend action with a 7 p.m. match against Southwest Baptist.
The Gorilla Scoop
- Jen Gomez enters her ninth season leading the Gorillas. She has a 92-134 overall record at PSU with appearances in four of the last five MIAA Tournaments.
- Kennedy Shelstead enters her first season on the sidelines at Pittsburg State as an assistant coach, with graduate assistant Hannah Delor entering her second season helping mentor the Gorillas.
- In 2023, PSU went 10-19 overall and 5-15 in MIAA play. The Gorillas marquee victory came at home on Oct. 21 against No. 8 Nebraska-Kearney at John Lance Arena.
- Nine letterwinners are back from 2023 with four getting the start in 10 or more matches. All-MIAA libero/defensive specialist Josie McCroskey leads the veteran squad members.
- Returning statistical leaders include Ivy Fink with 204.0 points (2.02 per set) and 169 kills (1.67 per set); McCroskey with 118 assists (1.11 per set) and 480 digs (4.53 per set); and Carly Clennan with 74 total blocks (0.84 per set).
- The Gorillas were picked to finish 10th in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Preseason Coaches Poll.
The Opposition
- Arkansas Tech posted a 3-25 overall record in 2023, including a 2-14 mark in  Great American Conference (GAC) action. Returning statistical leaders are Kaitlyn Neal with 247.5 points (2.60 per set) and 222 kills (2.34 per set); Kenzie Garrett with 284 assists (3.84 per set); Jamie Myrick with 404 digs (3.92 per set); and Sierra Orton with 38 total blocks (0.50 per set).
- Oklahoma Christian is coming off a 14-15 campaign in 2023. Returning statistical leaders are Annie Davis with 325.0 points (3.19 per set) and 302 kills (2.96 per set); Lauren McClure with 485 assists (6.14 per set); Sara Freeman with 144 digs (1.47 per set); and Camryn McGough with 117 total blocks (1.06 per set).
- Western Colorado managed a 5-21 overall mark and a 2-12 record in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play last year. Returning statistical leaders are Maggie Olson with 324.0 points (3.64 per set), 291 kills (3.27 per set) and 238 digs (2.67 per set); Nur Turkmenoglu with 824 assists (8.86 per set); and Seyun Park with 47 total blocks (0.51 per set).
- Southwest Baptist posted a 14-15 overall record and a 3-10 mark in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). Returning statistical leaders are Ella Rademaker with 394.0 points (3.75 per set) and 366 kills (3.49 per set); Katie Pogue with 390 assists (4.11 per set); Janel Pido with 249 digs (2.74 per set); and Chandler Lawrence with 82 total blocks (0.80 per set).
