FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
HAYS, Kan. – The Fort Hays State University volleyball team was unable to recover from a slow start against No. 3 Nebraska-Kearney Tuesday evening (Oct. 4), falling in three sets to the perennial powerhouse (14-25, 15-25, 19-25). It was the 20th-consecutive victory for the Lopers, who move to 6-0 in MIAA play. The Tigers slipped to 15-4 overall and 3-3 in the conference after the loss.
The visitors were incredibly effective on offense, recording 48 kills to just eight attack errors for a .367 hitting percentage. The Tigers were limited to a .136 attack percentage on the night, with the Lopers recording 55 digs and six blocks to bring down that percentage.
After the Tigers took the first three points in the match, UNK jumped out to a commanding double-digit lead with a 16-3 run. The Black and Gold weren’t able to close the gap any smaller than nine, losing by 11 in the set.
The Lopers never trailed in the second set while recording their best single set attack percentage of the night at .436, recording just one error in the frame. The Tigers never scored more than two points in a row during the set.
The home team came out of the locker room with a rejuvenated spirit and led for a good portion of the third set, forcing 15 tie scores and six lead changes. The Tigers led as late as 18-17 when Callie Christensen reached for a solo block, but the Lopers countered by scoring eight of the final nine points in the match to secure the victory.
Crystal Whitten led the Tigers with 11 kills while adding eight digs. Megan Anderson threw in eight kills and one solo block, while Christensen contributed two kills and two total blocks (one solo). Hannah Wagy posted 25 assists on the night, adding six digs and one kill.
The Tigers will continue MIAA play this weekend when they make the trip to Emporia, Kan. for a Friday evening (Oct. 7) match with Emporia State. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.