By FHSU SPORTS INFORMATION
The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell in three sets to second-ranked Central Missouri on Friday (Nov. 5), 25-15, 25-16, 25-16. The Tigers are now 12-15 overall and 6-12 in the MIAA, while the Jennies improve to 23-2 this season and 16-1 in league play.
Central Missouri pulled away midway through the first set, winning 25-15. The lead changed hands four times early in the second frame, with FHSU leading as late as 8-7 on a kill from Morgan Christiansen. But UCM followed with the next four points to take the lead for good. The Tigers battled back within two points, 17-15, after a block from Emily Ellis and Jaysa Wichers and another Christiansen kill, but the Jennies responded again with another big run to put the set on ice, 25-16. The Jennies again went on an early run in the third set to complete the win, 25-16.
Christiansen led the Tigers with seven kills and four block assists. Playing in her final home game as a Tiger, Isabelle Reynolds contributed six kills and 12 digs on Senior Night. Wichers tallied four kills and three blocks, while Claire Olson picked up four kills and two blocks. Riley Tinder totaled four kills, two blocks and 13 digs, with Ellis adding three kills and three blocks.
Elysia Glowacz tossed up 13 assists and added the only two service aces for the Tigers alongside four digs. Olivia Hessman also had 13 assists and six digs. Jaden Daffer paced FHSU with 18 digs, while Morgan McIntire added six digs, all in the third set.
Audrey Fisher racked up 16 kills and three solo blocks to lead the Jennies, while setter Ally Offerdahl recorded 39 assists, 12 digs and two kills.
With two games yet to play, Fort Hays State is in a virtual tie for seventh place in the MIAA standings with Missouri Western, one game behind Pittsburg State in sixth and one game in front of Newman in ninth. The top eight teams at the conclusion of the regular season will advance to the MIAA Championship Tournament November 16-20.
The Tigers will wrap up the regular season on the road next weekend at Pittsburg State on Friday (Nov. 12, 6 p.m.) and at Missouri Southern on Saturday (Nov. 13, 3:30 p.m.).