By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell short against No. 14 Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday (Oct. 5), losing in three sets to the Lopers (15-25, 11-25, 9-25). The Tigers are now 8-8 on the year and 2-5 in conference play, while UNK moves to 13-3 overall and 4-3 in league action.
Fort Hays State trailed by four early in the first set before scoring three in a row to narrow the gap to 11-10. The Lopers thwarted the rally by scoring three-straight points of their own, going back in front by four, 14-10. Claire Olson and Emily Ellis then combined on a block to return serve to the Tigers, but UNK followed with a 9-1 run to extend a double-digit lead, 23-12.
An Ellis kill on the first rally of the second set gave the Tigers a momentary lead, but the Lopers used timely defense and a strong attacking core to keep FHSU at bay the rest of the evening.
Ellis led the Tigers with seven kills while adding two blocks. Morgan Christiansen collected a team-high three blocks alongside six kills. Riley Tinder added five kills and nine digs, while Isabelle Reynolds led the team with 12 digs and added three kills and one block. Elysia Glowacz totaled 13 assists and seven digs, with Olivia Hessman contributing seven assists and two blocks.
Emersen Cyza paced the Lopers with 12 kills and three service aces, with Anna Squiers adding five blocks (one solo), seven digs and three service aces.
The Lopers recorded a .330 attack percentage and seven total blocks, while the Tigers posted a .083 swing rate and five team blocks.
The Tigers will head back out on the road next weekend for a pair of contests, with the road trip starting in Warrensburg, Mo. on Saturday (Oct. 9). First serve between the Tigers and No. 5 Jennies of Central Missouri is set for 6:30 p.m.