FHSU Athletics
KEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State Volleyball fell to No. 2 ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday evening at the Health and Sports Center. The Lopers swept the match in straight sets, winning 25-19, 25-11, and 25-20. UNK moved to 18-0 overall and 5-0 in the MIAA, while the Tigers moved to 13-4 overall and 2-3 in the MIAA.
Fort Hays State held a brief lead early in the first set, however the Lopers started to gain separation in the middle of the set. A 3-0 burst by the Lopers gave them a 15-10 lead and the lead eventually reached seven at 23-16 before the final margin was six. UNK ran away with the second set, taking a 4-0 lead early. Their lead eventually reached 13 at 16-3 and then 14 three times late in the second frame.
In the third set, UNK led early before FHSU inched past with leads of 9-8 and 10-9 before the Lopers took control for good. The Lopers reached the final set margin of five four times late in the set.
The Lopers showed efficient offense early with a .351 hitting percentage in the first set, then a match-best .432 in the second. The Lopers cooled to a .250 percentage in the third, but finished at .345 overall. Fort Hays State's best percentage was in the first set at .276, before being held to .073 and .158 in the following sets. The Tigers finished at .157 for the match.
Caiya Stucky Reyes led the Tigers with eight kills, followed by Ashlyn Reeves and Gracie Rains both with seven. Rains hit .385 for the match to lead FHSU. Abrey Galt recorded 20 assists and Grace Schmedding had 12 digs.
Emilee Lane and Brynn Stowell led UNK with 13 kills each, while Carly Purdy added 11. Peyton Neff provided 40 assists, while Ellie Spang had 14 digs. Neff added 10 digs for a double-double. Sydney Davis had five blocks.
Fort Hays State preps for a meeting with another top-10 team on Friday (Oct. 10) when they visit No. 9 ranked Washburn. The match is set for 6 p.m. in Topeka.