FHSU Sports Information Department
Fort Hays State Volleyball begins at three-game road swing this weekend with a pair of conference matches at No. 11 ranked Central Oklahoma and Pittsburg State. The Tigers play the Bronchos on Friday at 6 pm and the Gorillas on Saturday at the same start time. Central Oklahoma is 17-1 overall, 7-0 in the MIAA, while Pittsburg State is 1-17 overall, 1-6 in the MIAA. Fort Hays State enters the weekend at 11-9 overall, 3-5 in the MIAA.
Since a 3-1 loss to then No. 14 ranked Florida Southern on September 11, Central Oklahoma has reeled off 13 straight wins entering Friday’s match. Central Missouri was the only ranked victim of UCO in the 13-match run. The Bronchos are led by 2014 MIAA Player of the Year, Barbara Jackson, who has 230 kills so far this year. Teammate Taylor Bevis is close behind with 220.
Pittsburg State dropped its first 16 matches of the season before claiming a win over Southwest Baptist in conference play on October 9. The Gorillas host No. 12 Nebraska-Kearney on Friday evening before hosting the Tigers on Saturday. Lana DaSilva leads PSU in kills with 121, followed closely by Maggie Highberger with 120.
Friday and Saturday’s matches marks the only time FHSU will meet UCO and PSU in conference play this year. UCO and PSU are two of four teams the Tigers play just once in conference play.
Crystal Whitten continues to lead FHSU in kills (251) and digs (253). Mallory Flagor has 232 kills along with a team-high 53 blocks. Rebekah Spainhour leads in hitting percentage (.295), Hannah Wagy averages 9.99 assists per set, and Kailey Klibbe averages 3.81 digs per set.