The Emporia State Hornets were off to a slow start this weekend against Missouri Southern. Despite the slow start, the Hornets came back to defeat the Lions, 3-1, in four sets. Throughout the match, ESU struggled with consistent play.

“That’s the kind of key thing right now,” said Bing Xu, head coach. “They play up and down, and they don’t stick to what their job is – that’s how we’ve played, up and down. When we stick with what we’re supposed to, we don’t have a problem. This team is so talented… but recently… the chemistry seems a little bit off.”

The first game saw ESU struggle to find consistent offense as they let the Lions stick around early on in the set. The Hornets finally broke out to a 19-14 lead, but they let MSU back in the set when the Lions went on a 5-1 run to make the score 20-19 in favor of ESU.

The Lions took that momentum through the end of the set as they won the first set 28-26.

“We just weren’t ready to play,” said sophomore Paige Vanderpool. “We didn’t have the right mindset for this game, and once we mess up once, we get in our own head. We just need to stay more focused on every ball.”

In the second set, the Hornets went on a couple of early runs to get up by nine points midway through the set. ESU would not let up and won the second set, 25-15.

With the match tied, it was the Lions who asserted themselves and controlled the game for the majority of the third set. The Hornets would lead 8-7 early on but would not regain the lead until they found themselves up 22-21. A three to two run to finish out the set, thanks to two Vanderpool kills, gave ESU their second set victory, 25-23.

The Hornets did not mess around early on in the fourth set. A 3-0 run followed up by a 4-0 run gave ESU a 12-2 lead to grab the early momentum. But the Lions fought back, closing the gap to two points late in the set. The Hornets held on for the 25-22 set victory.

ESU is now 20-8 overall and 11-3 in the MIAA. The Hornets have won seven straight and 12 of their last 15 matches heading into the home stretch of the season.
“I feel like we’re at our peak of the season, which is the right time to be peaking because we have a potential postseason coming up,” Vanderpool said. “Even though the last couple of games were rough, I still feel like we’re on the uphill climb.”

Brandon Schneeberger/The Bulletin

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Sophomore outside hitter Paige Vanderpool spikes the ball Wednesday night at White Auditorium. Emporia State won their game against Rockhurst. Jon Coffey/The Bulletin

The Hornets volleyball team won their first game of the season last night in White Auditorium against the Rockhurst University Hawks.

“With this being the first official home game, I know the girls had some nerves,” said head coach Bing Xu.

Competing for the first time at home this season, the Hornets came out fired up against the Hawks.

The Hornets and Hawks went back and forth with scoring points in the first set. Xu called the first timeout when ESU was down 11-14. Outside hitter Maggie McGovern attacked hard, putting up some big hits for the Hawks, forcing Xu to call the Hornets second timeout when the score was 16-21.

With the Hornets fighting back hard, Hawks head coach Tracy Rietzke was forced to take two consecutive timeouts when the score was 21-24 and 22-24. The Hawks earned the last point, ending the set with a score of 22-25 over the Hornets.

Starting the second set, the Hornets scored the first point, showing they were ready for revenge. Sophomore Morgan Buckner came out strong attacking with some big hits and blocks. Assisting Buckner was freshman Carly Spicer who went to the nets strong, killing the ball multiple times.

The Hawks took a timeout, being down 22-13 to try to make a run on the Hornets. With a total of five team blocks, the Hornets shut down the Hawks hitting to take the second set 25-15.

The third set started off a little shaky for the Hornets, as they got down early. With Hornets outside hitter sophomore Paige Vanderpool stepping up and showing some big hits, the Hornets stayed on top to take the third set 25-18.

“Paige stepped up but everyone must contribute,” Xu said.

Getting a career high in kills and digs, Vanderpool got the first spike in the fourth set to help the Hornets get on top. The Hornets stayed up as Vanderpool continued her streak of kills, frustrating the Hawks defense.  

Coming back, the Hawks tied the score at 22-22, forcing Xu to call a timeout. Losing momentum, the Hornets lost this set 24-26 making the score 2-2.

“The players cannot doubt themselves,” Xu said, “if they make mistakes they must be aggressive ones. “

Coming out strong in the fifth match, the Hornets were up 8-3. Staying focused, the Hornets pulled out the win over the Hawks 15-6.

“I feel like the girls showed character in the fifth set and stepped up to the task,” Xu said.

Not only did Vanderpool have a career high in kills and digs, but 26 marks the most kills in rally scoring in ESU volleyball history.

“It really starts with the pass,” Vanderpool said. “If the pass is good and the set is good that is what opens up the middle for me. It takes all the players. It comes with the team and I could not have done it without them.”

The Lady Hornets are preparing for their next games in the UCM Tournament on September 10th in Warrensburg, Mo.

Chelsie Slaughter

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Seniors Ting Liu and Brianne Boner block a spike sent by FHSU’s Camille Hubert Saturday afternoon at White Auditorium. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

The Emporia State Volleyball team swept unranked Fort Hays State University Saturday to finish regular season play 28-26, 25-15 and 25-17.

“We finished off the regular season strong, ready for post season,” said Head Coach Bing Xu. “It was a good environment for the seniors with all the family being here. It is not easy after last night with the intensity level being so high, but you have to treat (all opponents) the same, every ball the same. After the first set, we realized we need to play our own game.”

The Hornets also honored seniors Brianne Boner, Katelyn Kaiser, Brittney Miller and Ting Liu on Saturday.

“It is hard to see them go, but they have to move on,” Xu said. “It will be a new team next year with the four of them gone.”

After a rough start, the Hornets won the first set. Working to overcome an early deficit, the Hornets eventually regrouped and won the set in extra points 28-26.

“Everyone had that emotional high last night (Friday). Today everyone was a little tired,” Boner said. “That took a toll on us, but we’re a good enough team to bring it back.”

The Hornets had to work a new offense with the loss of key hitter Brittney Miller to injury in their previous match against Washburn.

“We were still mentally adjusting (to the loss of Miller), it was a big blow,” Kaiser said. “We have to get team chemistry going and coming together as a team for the win.”

The second set started off with a much more unified Hornet offense which quickly gained a large lead. After the rough first set start, the Hornets were able to cruise to a second set win.

Continuing the rhythm started in the second set, the Hornets gained another large lead and finished off the match with another solid set win.

“We came out in the second and third sets and showed them,” Kaiser said. “It’s all about chemistry on the court… everyone has to work together.”

Finishing regular season play, the Hornets move onto regional play. Emporia State will face West Texas A&M at 5 p.m. on Nov. 18. The Hornets finished the regular season 22-9, and 13-7 in the MIAA.

“Everybody is beatable and everybody has a shot, we’re going to take ours,” Xu said. “It won’t be easy, but we’ll take it one game at a time.”

Chris Dvorak

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Seniors Ting Liu and Brianne Boner try to block a spike sent by Washburn's Aubri Renshaw Friday night at White Auditorium. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

The Emporia State volleyball team lost a tough match against rivals and #4 ranked Washburn University in five sets on Friday 25-23, 13-25, 26-24, 20-25 and 7-15.

“When playing a team like this you need to consistently do your part, fight and bring force,” said Head Coach Bing Xu. “We traded off with strong and weak rotations. Overall we fought pretty hard.”

The Hornets won the first set by pure force of will. After the loss of key player Brittney Miller in the initial seconds of the first set to an injury, the Hornets stormed to take a lead that Washburn was unable to close.

“After (Miller) was down the players raised their level… without Brittney they have to do more and fight harder,” Xu said. “Not a lot of the game plan changed, we just moved people around a bit.”

The Hornet players also noticed the reaction the team needed after the injury.

“Our first reaction was panic, but we really came together as a team after that and pushed through it and were able to play as hard as we did,” said Sophomore Defensive Specialist Meg Schwartz. “I’m really proud of our team for doing that.”

The second set brought an early shift in momentum. After gaining a quick lead, Washburn left the Hornets reeling. Unable to rally for a comeback and struggling for points, the Hornets lost the second set.

Emporia State began the third set with an early deficit. Rallying, and not resigning themselves to another set loss, the Hornets fought back and won the set after a ten point deficit.

“We didn’t want to lose, having that motivation… trying to play our best and beat a great team,” said Senior Mid-Hitter Brianne Boner.

Going into the fourth set the Hornets had the momentum coming out cool and collected. Washburn built up another lead over the Hornets which they were unable to catch up to, losing the set.

Senior Brianne Boner is blocked by Washburn's Mollie Lacy Friday night at White Auditorium. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

“In the beginning, we’d get down and then we’d be fighting to catch up and that definitely hurt us,” Schwartz said. “We needed to come out from the beginning and get a lead in the beginning instead of trying to work our way back and win.”

Struggling through the tiebreaker the Hornets would go on to lose the game.

“This was everybody’s game and one of the main players down now we needed everyone to step up,” Xu said. “The whole team (came together well) I really liked what we put over there.”

The Hornets close out regular season play with a match against unranked Fort Hays State at home on Nov. 13th. Regionals begin Nov. 17th.

Chris Dvorak

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Saturday night the #12 Emporia State Hornets swept The University of Nebraska- Omaha, 25-16, 25-14 and 25-19. UNO is ranked seventh in the South-Central Region, Emporia is ranked fifth.

“We were ready for this game,” said head coach Bing Xu. “You have to know your opponents, what kind of style they play… UNO is a tough team.”

The Hornets commanded a solid lead throughout the first set, only being behind UNO for the first point. After making only minor errors, the Hornets cleanly won the set.

Junior outside hitter Jordan Lockwood led the Hornets in hit percentage with a high .772 and 14 kills.

“She is a really smart player, and all around player. She can pass, play defense… hit smart,” Xu said. “That’s her natural ability. You can tell her not to over try anything, just play with your natural ability.”

Lockwood also recognized her good match.

“I don’t know where that came from. You just take what you get,” Lockwood said.

Continuing their rhythm and teamwork from the first set, the Hornets took and held their lead over UNO for another set victory.

The Hornets teamwork and communication was evident throughout the match.

“That’s the game, (setting) up effective talk,” Xu said. “Usually coach has to put stuff into their heads. Right now they’re using their own heads to think about their game.”

In the third set, the Hornets began with a 4-0 lead over UNO. UNO was able to close the gap but the Hornets kept ahead to finish the match with a 25-19 win.

Lockwood said that a key component to the victory was their preparation as a team.

“We played all around well together; defense, hitting, blocking, setting… the whole game,” Lockwood said. “We went out with a purpose: win the game, play together, that was our big focus. We had been talking… a lot in practice (about) doing your job individually, but also working as one unit.”

“We were prepared very well,” Xu said. “They knew who they needed to block… and did their jobs.”

The Hornets will be on the road for their next three matches, looking to improve their conference and national standings.

“This (win) was important; it gives us a push to do better, to play well,” Lockwood said. “The (win) is going to help us.”

At their next home stand Friday, Nov 12, the Hornets look to upset rival #2 Washburn University.

Chris Dvorak

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The Emporia State volleyball team returned to William Allen White Auditorium this Friday to take on the Griffons of Missouri Western. Big plays down the stretched led ESU to a 3-0 sweep.

The Hornets got off to a good start in the first set with a 25-17 victory. Junior Jordan Lockwood and freshman Paige Vanderpool led the team in kills with five apiece. Lockwood set the tone for the Hornets as she opened up with three of the first six kills for the set.

“(Lockwood) is a good all around player. She plays very good back row. Defense wise she is doing very well. She brought a lot of energy out on the court,” said head coach Bing Xu.

Ting Liu followed up with an impressive performance dishing out 19 total assists in the set.

The second set would prove much tougher for the Hornets. After a back and forth battle in the first half of the set, ESU would lead 13-12. The Hornets would begin to spread the margin as they went on a 7-2 run to increase the margin to six points.

Missouri Western would not give up however as they narrowed the gap to three points at 22-19. Kills by Brittney Miller and Brianne Boner would eventually put the Griffons away as ESU won the set 25-19. Boner would also move up to second all-time in ESU history for career blocks in the second set.

“We have great chemistry and everything it’s just getting it all together on the floor sometimes. I think tonight it was just a good game to come out, get everything together and I think we did really well,” Boner said.

The Third set would prove even tougher for the Hornets as Missouri Western jumped out of the intermission to a quick 5-2 lead and would hold the lead at 15-14. ESU would battle back however, and finish off with a 6-0 run to win the set 25-19 thanks to four consecutive kills.

“I think we started a little bit slow,” Xu said. “We really need to put actual energy on the court, and after the big stretch there, finally they realize ‘Hey we need to finish this.’ We want to see more character like that, more attitude like that.”

In the third set Ting Liu would dish out 13 assists for the Hornets giving her 42 on the night. This total places her fourth all-time in the MIAA for assists.

The Hornets look to continue their success Saturday as they take on Northwest Missouri. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at White Auditorium.

Brandon Schneeberger

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Emporia State played their second of a three game home stand this Saturday when they hosted the Lions of Missouri Southern. After falling in the second set, the Hornets battled back to defeat the Lions 3-1.

“After we go back to the locker room we talked about (how) we can’t stop their middle because the serve is not tough enough,” said head coach Bing Xu. “After we came back you can tell serving is all there, and we start blocking them, play defense, and the game starts changing a lot.”

The game started out rocky in the first set for the Hornets as attack errors plagued them early on. After beginning the set 6-6, the Hornets would begin to pull away going on a 15-8 run. Paige Vanderpool and Brittney Miller sparked the run with four kills each in the stretch.

The Lions fought back however scoring five straight points to close the gap to three. Two kills by Brianne Boner would help hold off the Lions, 25-20. Ting Liu led the way for the Hornets dialing up 15 assists.

Emporia State was unable to carry the momentum into the second set as Missouri Southern jumped out to a fast 9-5 lead. A 10-6 run out of a timeout and two key blocks by Miller and Boner brought the set to a tie at 15.

Missouri Southern would not be denied the set and closed it out on a 10-6 run to win 25-21.

“We didn’t come out that second set like we needed to,” said sophomore Meg Schwartz who earned player of the game. “We knew that they were going to come out and attack us, and we kind of fell back, so in the locker room we talked about it, and we needed to come out with lots of intensity, and that’s what we did. It ended well for us.”

Intensity was evident as the Hornets jumped out to an 11-7 lead in the third set. Emporia State increased the lead down the stretch eventually coming away with a 25-15 win off a kill by Katelyn Schmidtberger.

This time Emporia State was able to carry the momentum over to the fourth set as they opened up on the offensive 12-1. Seven kills – five by Miller – and two aces ignited the Hornets to the quick start. The Hornets would continue the pounding and win the match 25-9.

The Hornets wrap up their three game home stand this Tuesday as they take on Southwest Baptist. First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Brandon Schneeberger

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The Emporia State Hornets returned home to White Auditorium this Friday to take on the Gorillas of Pittsburg State. Senior Brittney Miller led the Hornets to a 3-0 sweep with 19 total kills.

“We were definitely excited to get a conference game under our belt again, definitely to get home. This crowd, this atmosphere, all the energy, it was great,” Miller said.

The first set saw the Hornets jump out to a quick lead. Miller led the early attack with the first three kills in the game. Miller would add two more kills and the Hornets would lead 15-6 early in the contest.

Pitt state rallied however scoring four straight points to close the gap to 15-10. Both teams fought back and forth until the Hornets eventually pulled away with a 25-18 win on a kill by Paige Vanderpool.

The second set saw the same storyline as ESU erupted for a quick 10-2 lead led by Miller with four kills. Pitt State would rally once again with six straight points however, cutting the lead to two.

“This game is a really kind of mental game,” said head coach Bing Xu. “No matter you’re leading or they’re leading, how awesome they play… you need to maintain your game. We talked before the game, nothing flashy. We want consistency – mental consistency.”

After a timeout, the Hornets regrouped and went on a 13-6 run led by Miller with four more kills giving her eight total in the set. Pitt State responded with a 4-1 run of their own, but would eventually be denied the set after a kill by Ting Liu ended the match 25-20.

Emporia State exercised their defensive skills in the third set as Pitt State took the initiative opening up an 8-7 lead. The Hornets would dig in and rally for a 15-5 run making the score 22-13. Key blocks by Ting Liu and Brianne Boner helped preserve the lead for the Hornets as they would go on to win the set 25-18.

For the Hornets, Liu led the way with 39 assists, and Meg Schwartz earned a career high with 26 digs. Miller earned player of the game.

“That’s the leadership we want to see from (Miller). Hopefully she keeps doing that. This is a great group, and when everything’s on we’re unstoppable,” Xu said.

The game was also Dig for the Cure night to raise awareness for breast cancer. The Hornets stay at home for their next game against Southern Missouri at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct 9.

Brandon Schneeberger

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Liu

For senior setter Ting Liu, volleyball has been her life. Since the age of eight, she has been playing volleyball. Originally from Beijing, China, Liu started playing when a coach asked her in elementary school if she wanted to start playing volleyball, so she joined an after school team that met five days a week.

In 2006, Liu came to ESU at age 20 after she contacted an assistant coach at the time to see if she could play in America.

“(I came to America) so I could study English and play at the college level,” Ting said. “We play so many more games, and we have home games (where) we get so much support from the fans. I like that part.”

Head Coach Bing Xu also agreed there is a difference from playing in China compared to America.

“(Her) first year she had to adjust a little bit,” Xu said. “(Playing) in China is a big difference… She learned how to play the volleyball here, and now she is very successful.”

Ever since then, Liu has been an important addition to the team. This season alone she has earned the MIAA Specialist of the Week honor in three consecutive weeks.

“That’s her honor as well as the teams,” Xu said. “With good ball control, all hitters start there, then you get a lot of assists. That’s all teamwork there.”

Liu’s teammate, senior Katelyn Kaiser, praised her abilities on the court.

“It’s amazing, if you watch she looks at where the blockers are, and then places the ball,” Kaiser said. “She has great hands. She can place the ball anywhere, even if it’s a bad pass.”

To Liu, this is just progression toward her team’s goals as well as her personal goals.

“I feel better [about making] the team goals and my goal. Our team goal is nationals and my personal goal is to be All-American again,” said Liu who earned an All-American selection her sophomore year.

At 6 feet 1 inch, Liu is very noticeable on the court, both in stature and knowledge of the game.

“Lots of setters are short, that is her big advantage,” Xu said. “A lot of setters you have to tell where to place the ball.”

Since a young age Liu has always been playing volleyball, and despite constantly playing, she has always fostered a love for the game.

Chris Hopkins

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State Volleyball Head Coach Bing Xu discusses his expectations for the upcoming ESU volleyball season Tuesday morning inside his office at the HPER Building. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin

Would you say the expectations for this team are a good motivation for the team or a distraction?

Kind of both. When we’re ranked number three in the conference and number twelve in the nation, I think it is a reasonable ranking, and I also believe it leaves room for us to work harder and give us motivation to be on the top so that’s our goal. Our players… all have a higher goal this year and try to make this the best season ever. We still need to work hard every day, we’re not there yet. We all realize that, and they put a lot of effort on the court and that’s the really good part. I think they like the challenge.

How did you feel coming away from the black and gold game last Friday?

I gave them a C+. We have quite a few people who showed up and support us, and I think at first they were a little bit nervous. One part is nerves, the second part we see the hesitation on the court because we have a lot of new players and they have to get to know each other’s game. This is the first time we put two teams against each other – a black team and a gold team. The reason is we need a lot of 6 on 6 playing. We try to make them more comfortable to play together with each other.

How do you see the freshmen and newcomers contributing this year?

They are good freshman. Paige Vanderpoolhas played a lot of volleyball.Right now the performance she puts out on the court is not like a freshman. The other freshman Morgan(Buckner), she’s a big lefty, she’s very athletic. I think she will contribute to this team a lot, too. Kenda (Ely), she’s a freshman, she’s still learning the game, learning the pace. Amanda(Gerety), she’s a setter doing very well. I think all freshmen they will, here or there, contribute to this program. We also have three transfer students. They all have a lot of playing experience.

How excited is the team to finally get underway with the season?

I think they’re ready. Even during practice they were talking about this tournament. Four teams we’re going to play there. They’re all good teams. The first tournament sometimes you expect more, but just depends on the actual date and the performance they put on the court. We’ll prepare well for this tournament mentally, physically, and technically.

Brandon Schneeberger

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The #9 Emporia State volleyball team swept yet another opponent last Tuesday, defeating Southwest Baptist University in the last regular season home game, 3-0.

“Tonight before the game we told them, ‘Hey, our main task is talking,’” said Head Coach Bing Xu. “You have to talk.”

The Hornets did just that. Communication was never an issue for the team, as set number one started with a tie at 10 until the Hornets started a 12-3 run, eventually winning the set with relative ease, 25-17.

The second set of the night proved to be a bit more challenging for the Hornets. ESU jumped out to an early 5-0 lead before SBU would fight back with a 7-point effort to take advantage of the lead, 7-5. Both teams would trade points back and forth, until a supreme effort by senior outside hitter and marketing major Arica Shepard finished the set with back to back kills to win the game, 25-21.

“When it comes down to crunch time, you know you need to go out there and put your heart out on the floor,” Shepard said. “Plus it’s senior year – you have to have no regrets.

Coming in here we knew what we were supposed to do. We knew what kind of a team this was. Coming in here it does help our confidence after the loss last Friday and so hopefully we get two more under our belt before regionals start.”

The third and final set of the evening was a one-sided affair. ESU led the entire set, and was never really threatened by SBU. The Hornets took the set and the match with ease, 25-11.

Several Hornets put up impressive stats in areas in which they weren’t necessarily known for. Versatility played a role in dominating Southwest Baptist.

“There are a bunch of players on the team that might not be able to show it off every single game but have really good capabilities,” Shepard said. “Like Brittany, she did amazing blocking today…it’s awesome to know that everybody’s capable of doing a lot more than what they’re just supposed to do.”

Junior outside hitter and nursing major Brittany Miller led the team in kills on the night with 12, followed closely by Shepard with 11. Shepard pitched in 15 digs to lead the Hornets – senior libero and health promotion major Amy Byfield added 11. Once again, junior setter and business major Ting Liu led the Hornets in assists with 28.

Miller felt whole-heartedly that a game like this one was positive for the team’s experience.

“I think it is definitely a good confidence booster for especially the younger ones,” Miller said. “In these types of games, we try to work on things that we’re not as good at so that when we do have a tougher opponent we can have that confidence to do those types of things. That’s what we tried to do in this game.”

Xu echoed the sentiment.

“I think it builds confidence…we really need to play our game and carry on to the postseason,” Xu said. “They know how important these last three games are, so they prepared well.”

Shepard believes that the team has yet to play their best volleyball.

“You know, we’ve played some really great games, and we’ve played some really bad games throughout the season,” Shepard said. “Hopefully, we’re on a stretch where we’re doing the really good games and we carry it over to next week. We’ve had plenty of talks about how this is crunch time, this is the end of the season, this is when everybody needs to step up and play their best game. So I think that’s come across to a lot of the players and hopefully this continues – we’ll be a lot smoother than in the past.”

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