Arica Shepard and Brittney Miller were their usual selves on Thursday night, but they couldn't stop a hot Pittsburg State team from winning 3-1 (25-15, 16-25, 25-12, 25-23).
Shepard, a senior, led the Hornets with 19 kills, and Miller added 18.
The Hornets got off to a sluggish start in the first set and responded with a strong second game, jumping out to a 11-3 lead.
Pitt State came right back in the third set, winning handily.
The Gorillas again jumped out to a big lead in the third set, jumping out to a 6-1 lead. Coach Bing Xu subbed in junior Megan Lueger, and she helped the Hornets rally, getting four quick kills and leading the Hornets back into the lead at 10-7.
The two teams traded leads seven times in the final set and MIAA player of the year ended the match with her 12th kill of the match.
Emporia State finishes its season 29-6. For complete coverage, check Friday's Gazette.