FHSU Athletics
MARYVILLE, Mo. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team dropped a four-set battle at Northwest Missouri State Saturday evening, losing 10-25, 28-26, 13-25, 16-25. The Tigers conclude the regular season 12-13 overall and 4-12 in league action, while the Bearcats are 15-11 this season and 9-7 in MIAA play.
The Bearcats took control early in the first set, using an 11-1 run to quickly build a double-digit lead before taking the frame 25-10. The Tigers battled back in the second set, posting an attack percentage of .208 thanks to just four errors in a 28-26 victory.
Neither side led by more than two until midway through the frame when the Bearcats slowly pulled away to an 18-13 lead. NWMSU later led 23-19 before a five-point Tiger rally suddenly put the Tigers at set point. Claire Olson recorded three-straight kills during the run, helping FHSU stay in the set.
The Tigers had two chances at set point, with NWMSU thwarting each attempt before the Bearcats blew their own chance to take the frame at 26-25. Another Olson kill leveled things at 26 before a kill from Tallon Rentschler secured the 28-26 win.
Northwest Missouri State quickly shook off the loss, taking the third set 25-13 and the fourth 25-16 to complete the home win.Olson led the team with 11 kills, while Ella Goodwin added 10 kills and one solo block. Abrey Galt dished out a team-high 19 assists while adding one service ace and six digs. Kirsten Evans totaled a team-best 21 digs, her seventh match this season with at least 20 digs. Four Bearcats reached double figures in kills, led by 13 from Abby Brunssen.
The Tigers hit .109 as a team (41-23-165) while Northwest posted a swing rate of .314 (66-12-172).