FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team came up short against Pittsburg State Friday evening, falling in three sets inside Gross Memorial Coliseum, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19. The Tigers (10-17, 5-14 MIAA) got off to a slow start but roared back late in the first set and early in the second frame before the Gorillas (16-13, 10-10 MIAA) bounced back to complete the sweep.
The Tigers fell behind early in set one, with PSU leading 15-5 and later by as many as 12, 20-8. But Fort Hays State rallied back, closing within five thanks to a 10-3 run. Mykah Eshbaugh, Emily Ellis and Riley Tinder all picked up two kills during the big run, with Ellis also teaming up with Claire Olson for a block to help the Tigers get back in contention.
Fort Hays State got off to a better start in the second frame, leading for much of the set until a late Gorilla run helped the visitors steal the win. The Tigers quickly led by as many as five, 8-3, and held onto that lead until PSU scored four in a row to tie things up at 15. FHSU managed to hold off the Gorillas for a bit, keeping the lead until PSU scored the final seven points of the set to turn a 20-18 deficit into a 25-20 win.
The home team quickly led by three in the third set, 4-1, before PSU regained control following a 7-7 tie. The Gorillas led the rest of the way, going on to win the set, 25-19, and the match, 3-0.
Tinder totaled nine kills and 16 digs to lead the team in both categories. Eshbaugh added eight kills and two blocks, with Christiansen compiling seven kills and two blocks. Ellis led the way with three blocks, while Caiya Stucky paced the team with 15 assists. Stucky was followed closely by Jaida Felix with 14. Meg Auten totaled 15 kills and 16 digs in the win for Pittsburg State.
The Tigers will wrap up the season Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. with Senior Night against Missouri Southern. The team will honor its six seniors at the conclusion of the match.