PITTSBURG – The Pittsburg State University women's volleyball team will begin MIAA play this weekend at home against the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith and No. 2 Central Oklahoma.
 
First serve from John Lance Arena/Whetzel court on Friday (Sept. 26) is set for 6:00 p.m. (CT) against UAFS, following the conclusion of the match the Gorillas will autograph team posters for those in attendance.
 
Against the nationally ranked Bronchos, first serve on Saturday (Sept. 27) will be at 2:00 p.m.
 
Last week, Pittsburg State went 1-2 with a four-set victory over Drury at the Bettye Wallace Invitational in Arkadelphia, Ark.
 
Under the direction of Megan Besecker, the Gorillas are 6-4 on the season after the first three weekends of the season. For her career, she owns a 64-14 overall record.
 
As a team, the Gorillas rank third in Division II for blocks per set at 2.82 and eighth for total blocks accumulated with 107.0. Pitt State also ranks in the Top-50 nationally for assists per set (44^th) at 12.34 and 46^th for assists provided with 469.
 
Leading the team in points (130.0, 3.42) and kills (113, 2.97), Maliyah Johnson is also hitting .273. Anna Dean is the team leader for total blocks (55, 1.45) and hitting percentage (.274). Jesa Wallace has dished out 233 assists (6.13) and Abby Carr with 174 (4.58) split setting duties. Josie McCroskey has accumulated a team-high 194 digs (5.11) while Vix Vilott is the team leader for service aces with 17 (0.46).
 
Arkansas – Fort Smith is 8-3 on the season and riding a five match winning streak, dropping three sets since Sept. 12. In series history, Pitt State has a 3-1 match advantage with the Lions claiming a three set win in Pittsburg last season.
 
Crystal Smith leads the team with 148.5 points (3.45), 108 kills (2.51) and a conference best 63 total blocks (1.47). Scarlette Young with 235 assists (5.47) and Trinity Funderburk with 159 (3.70) are the setters for the Lions. Abby Jackson is the team leader for digs with 153 (3.56).
 
Central Oklahoma is the No. 2 team in Division II from the most recent AVCA Poll (Sept. 22). This season the Bronchos have dropped only two sets. In the series history, UCO has a 28-9 advantage and has won the past four matches against the Gorillas.
 
Kamryn Glover is the team leader with 168.0 points (4.00) and kills with 137 (3.26). Lindsey Houran is the conductor of the Bronchos offense with 465 assists (11.34). Kaitlyn Parrott is the team leader for digs with 264 (6.00) and Mikiah Perdue leads the Bronchos with 45 total blocks (1.02).