FHSU Athletics
MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team swept Northwest Missouri State in straight sets on the road Friday, winning 25-17, 27-25, 26-24. The Tigers (13-2, 2-1 MIAA) showcased their defensive skills with 11 total blocks, including four solo efforts, while limiting the Bearcats (6-6, 0-3 MIAA) to an attack percentage of .147.
The win snapped a 15-match losing streak against the Bearcats, with FHSU knocking off Northwest for the first time since 2016.
Fort Hays State began the first set trailing as Northwest Missouri State jumped to a quick 4-0 lead. The Tigers responded by narrowing the gap, with Ella Goodwin and Peyton Bergschneider securing crucial points. Four team blocks and a pair of Grace Schmedding kills helped the Tigers to a 9-1 run, turning an 11-9 deficit into an 18-12 lead. The Tigers maintained their lead, closing the set with a 25-17 victory, as they continued to pressure Northwest Missouri State into errors.
The second set opened with Fort Hays State capitalizing on more errors to gain an early lead. A series of attacks highlighted by a Goodwin block and a Reeves kill pushed the Tigers ahead 4-2. The Tigers maintained their edge with efficient play, including a service ace from Abrey Galt that extended their lead to 12-10.
As the set progressed, the tightly-contested frame included 16 ties and five lead changes. Gracie Rains' timely kills and a crucial block by Goodwin and Reeves helped the Tigers stay level with Northwest Missouri State at 22-22. The home team reached set point first, but Rains kept the Tigers alive with a kill before three consecutive errors by the Bearcats handed FHSU the 27-25 win.
The third set began with Northwest Missouri State holding a slight edge, but Fort Hays State quickly shifted momentum. An early kill by Bergschneider set the tone, followed by a service ace and a series of blocks from Reeves and Schmedding, allowing the Tigers to build a 6-3 lead. Consistent offensive contributions from Carsyn Cormaney and Reeves maintained their advantage, extending the score to 8-4.
As the set progressed, Fort Hays State continued to pressure with effective kills from Reeves and Rains, keeping a narrow lead. Despite a few service errors, the Tigers capitalized on attack errors by their opponents to stay ahead. A late push from Northwest tied the score at 23-23, but decisive kills by Rains and a final block by Cormaney secured the 26-24 victory for the Tigers.
Reeves led the team with 10 kills on 16 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .562 while adding six blocks. Rains contributed significantly with nine kills, while Kirsten collected 15 digs to stabilize the backline. Galt directed the offense with 20 assists and registered seven digs to complement her performance. Kasidy Mohwinkle led Northwest Missouri State with 14 kills alongside two blocks. The Tigers hit .234 as a team while adding four aces on the day.
Looking ahead, the Tigers will travel to St. Joseph, Mo., to take on Missouri Western on Saturday (Oct. 4) beginning at 1 p.m.