ST. JOSEPH, Mo. ---- Paced by the one-two punch of Sarah Vicory and Leanna Willer, the Washburn volleyball team rolled to its ninth consecutive victory with a 3-0 sweep over Missouri Western on Saturday at the MWSU Fieldhouse. In addition to extending their win streak, the Ichabods improved to 19-4 overall and 9-1 record against MIAA opponents.

For the second night, Willer's named climbed up the Washburn record books as her 15-kill effort allowed her to move into the top five for most kills in a career.

Vicory meanwhile followed with a 12-kill performance of her own and had a match-best .550 hitting percentage with a minimum of 20 attack attempts. With her fifth double-double in as many matches, Natalie Bates finished with 35 assists and 15 digs. Alyssa Carney had a team-best 20 digs.

Washburn quickly assumed the lead during the opening set as it recorded 10 of the first 13 points. From there the Ichabods never looked back as they sustained control en route to winning the frame, 25-21 and taking a 1-0 match lead.

With a 6-3 advantage Missouri Western (12-8, 4-4 MIAA) jumped out front to start the second set. The lead though quickly evaporated as WU overtook the Griffons behind a 10-2 run to make it 13-8. Back-to-back kills then sparked a 10-4 spurt for MWSU as it regained the lead with a slim 18-17 margin.

Following a timeout Washburn reclaimed the lead as kills from Willer and Victory helped make it 20-18. The Ichabods maintained the advantage down the stretch before one of Carley Swan's four kills on the night sealed the set making it 25-23 and 2-0 for the match.

In the third set, WU imposed its will and never trailed after earning the fifth point, forcing the Griffons into six attack errors and a match-low .102 hitting percentage. The Ichabods eventually widened the gap to as much as nine thanks in part to a kill by Bates to make it 21-12. Missouri Western trimmed the lead late making it 21-16 with four straight points but the rally fell short as Washburn completed the sweep as Kelsey Barrick, Swan, Taylor Selk and Willer brought the set to 25-17.

The 15^th-ranked Washburn Ichabod volleyball team will return to action on Friday, Oct. 21 as it travels to Pittsburg State in a match scheduled for 6 p.m.