FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell to No. 6 Washburn Saturday inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, losing 25-12, 25-23, 25-17. Despite the loss, the Tigers (15-11, 4-10 MIAA) delivered a strong performance in the second set, pushing the Ichabods (22-3, 11-3 MIAA) to a narrow two-point decision. Fort Hays State tallied eight total blocks in the match and added three service aces, while Washburn delivered 52 kills in the win.
The first set opened with the Tigers gaining early momentum as Ashlyn Reeves delivered consecutive kills, assisted by Abrey Galt, pushing the home team to a 3-1 advantage. However, Washburn responded with a significant rally, reclaiming the lead at 7-5. Despite efforts from Peyton Bergschneider and Reeves, the Tigers struggled against Washburn's offensive surge, which saw Natalie Hedlund and Keilah Rivers contribute key kills. The set concluded with the Ichabods pulling ahead decisively, ending with a 25-12 score in Washburn's favor.
Fort Hays State mounted a significant push in the second set, closing a substantial gap with a series of successful plays. Reeves and Gracie Rains were pivotal, with Reeves executing key kills and Rains contributing both offensively and defensively. Avery Eshleman also played a crucial role, adding back-to-back kills that helped the Tigers turn a six-point deficit into a 21-21 tie thanks to a 9-3 run. However, Washburn managed to regain control in the final moments, edging out Fort Hays State with a 25-23 finish.
The Tigers initiated a promising stretch in the third set with a service ace from Bergschneider, followed by two consecutive kills by Rains, bringing the score to 4-2 in their favor. However, Washburn responded with a series of plays, extending their lead to 10-5. The Tigers managed to disrupt Washburn's momentum momentarily with another kill from Rains, but the Ichabods' consistent attacks allowed them to regain control. Despite a late push from Fort Hays State, the set concluded with a 25-17 victory for Washburn.
Rains led the Tigers with 10 kills and contributed two block assists. Kirsten Evans was pivotal on defense, collecting 17 digs across three sets. Reeves added eight kills and recorded three total blocks. Caiya Stucky Reyes tallied six points, including three kills, three blocks and one service ace.
The Tigers will wrap up the regular season next weekend at home when they host Missouri Western on Thursday (Nov. 13) and Northwest Missouri State on Friday (Nov. 14). Both matches are set to begin at 6 p.m.