FHSU Athletics
HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team dropped a three-set match against Northwest Missouri State on Friday (Oct. 6), 25-15, 25-18, 25-18. The Tigers are now 7-10 overall and 1-7 in conference play, while the Bearcats move to 9-6 on the year and 4-3 in MIAA action.
The Bearcats jumped out in front to start, scoring the first six points. Kills from Claire Olson and Riley Tinder helped the Tigers close within four, 8-4, before the visitors regained control en route to a 25-15 first-set win.
After totaling eight kills in the first set, the Tigers upped that total to 12 in the second frame, just two short of NWMSU's 14 second-set kills. The Bearcats managed to pick up the win, however, due to five NWMSU blocks in the frame. FHSU trailed by midway through the frame, 16-14, before a 9-4 run gave the green and white a 25-18 victory.
Another Olson kill helped FHSU pull within 16-14 again in the third set, but another big Bearcat run helped NWMSU complete the sweep.
Taylor Hawkins led the Tigers with eight kills and one solo block, while Mya Vandrovec and Emily Ellis each recorded three kills and three block assists. Brooke Hyland racked up 14 digs on the back row, while Caiya Stucky distributed 13 assists.
Fort Hays State will return to the court on Tuesday (Oct. 10) when the Tigers host No. 9 Nebraska-Kearney beginning at 6 p.m. inside Gross Memorial Coliseum.