NORTHEAST KANSAS (KSNT) — The first Turnpike Tussle of the 2026-27 athletic season is almost here.
It’ll be a top 25 matchup between the No. 14 Washburn Ichabods and the No. 17 Emporia State Hornets from White Auditorium in Emporia.
The Ichabods sit at 14-3 overall, with a 3-1 mark in conference play. They’ll face Pittsburg State on the road on Friday at 6 p.m., before traveling to Emporia on Saturday.
Head coach Chris Herron says that his team will need to bring up the intensity to match its upcoming level of competition.
“The level [of intensity] that we’re going to play the next three matches is much greater than the level we played last week in terms of what’s across the net, and what kind of talent is over there,” Herron said. “You have to rise to that occasion.”
The Hornets have a 15-2 record on the season, going 2-1 so far in MIAA play. They swept the Gorillas at home on Tuesday, their only match this week ahead of Saturday’s game.
The last time the Hornets grabbed the win in this rivalry was 2017, and ESU is hungry to get their revenge.
“I’m super excited to play for specifically our seniors who haven’t won against this team in our entire career,” junior middle blocker Mia Frisbie told 27 Sports. “I think there’s a lot of fire, especially watching Washburn play other teams. We know that we can do this, we’re very confident that we can; it just comes down to execution…”
“Our program is in a different place than it has been; they’re still in the same place, they’re still top-25, getting votes and having a great season,” Emporia State volleyball head coach Ken Murczek said. “I think all that kind of gets thrown out the door, and you know, you lace them up at 7 p.m. Saturday, and let’s see what happens.”
First serve for Saturday’s game is set for 7 p.m.
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