FHSU Athletics
After opening conference play with a pair of road wins over the weekend, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team saw its national ranking climb in both polls. The Tigers now sit in 18th in the WBCA Division II Coaches Poll, up four spots, and at No. 19 in the D2CSC National Media Poll, moving into the top 25 after receiving votes last week.
This is the second time the Tigers (6-0, 2-0 MIAA) have been ranked 18th in the coaches poll and the first in 10 years. FHSU is 0-1 when ranked 18th after a narrow 63-60 home loss to No. 12 Washburn in January of 2013 (1/10/13).Fort Hays State is 147-38 all-time when ranked in the top 25. This is the 96th weekly release of the WBCA poll in which the Tigers have been listed.
The Tigers are one of five MIAA programs mentioned in this week's release. Central Missouri held steady at No. 3 in the country, while three teams, including both of FHSU's upcoming opponents, are receiving votes in Missouri Western, Northwest Missouri State and Pittsburg State.
This is Fort Hays State's first appearance in the media top 25 since the 2022-23 preseason poll when the Tigers were slotted ninth. No. 3 Central Missouri is the only other MIAA school recognized in this week's media poll.
FHSU will play at home for the first time this season on Thursday (Dec. 7) when the Tigers and Bearcats tip off at 5:30 p.m. It is the latest home opener for the team in 46 years (12/9/77).