BOLIVAR, Mo. -- The SBU Bearcats held the Missouri Western to a low .189 hitting percentage, but couldn't take control, as the Griffons defeated the 'Cats, 3-0. Ashley Jurgensmeyer led SBU with nine kills, while senior Iceley Perry had a team-high 13 digs.

The Griffons got off to a hot start in the opening set, taking the first six points. SBU was able to climb back, and even took a one-point lead a few times, holding advantages at 15-14 and 19-18. With a 22-20 lead, Missouri Western was able to close out the set with three straight points, and winning 25-20.

The Bearcats were able to hang close in the early parts of the second set, drawing even at 8-8 after a Griffon service error. Western took control from that point on, however, as SBU didn't string together more than two straight points, and the Griffons took game two, 25-19.

SBU started the third set strong, taking four of the first five points, highlighted by a pair of kills from Jurgensmeyer. Western clawed back, however, and with an 18-18 tie, went on a six-point run that nearly put the game out of reach. With the score 23-19, senior Marcy Greenwade served up a huge three-point run that closed the gap to 23-21, but Western was able to take two of the final three points for the match.

With the loss, SBU falls to 6-6 on the year, and 1-3 in conference play. The Bearcats are back in action tomorrow, Saturday, September 25, as they take on Northwest Missouri State. The match is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. start.