With two starters out due to injury the Missouri Western Griffons struggled in their conference opener in Hays, Kan. against the Fort Hays State Tigers. The Griffons fell in three sets by scores of 25-18, 25-13 and 25-20. Western sits at 3-10 overall and 0-1 in the MIAA with the defeat.

The Griffons were led by sophomore Megan Voelz as she had six kills in the contest. Shari Tompkins played well at the libero position for the Griffons as she had 16 defensive digs. Lauren Burbach had nine set assists and nine digs on the evening.

The Griffons had five blocks in the contest with Lindsay Rosenhagen leading the way with two.

The Tigers got 11 kills from Tracie Hileman and 21 digs from Katelyn Lapham. Whitney Hoffman led the Tigers with 40 set assist on 45 team kills.

Western will be in action next on Friday, September 19 when they host the Emporia State Hornets at 7:00 pm from the MWSU Fieldhouse. This marks the first home contest of the year for the Griffons.