By DYLAN SWIHART
Tiger Media Network
The Fort Hays State University volleyball team hosted the Pittsburg State Gorillas on Saturday looking to bounce back after their Friday loss to the 21st-ranked University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos.
The Tigers lost a close back-and-forth first set 25-22 and had leads in the next two sets, having been up 20-14 in the second set and then leading 7-3. However, Pitt State would make a run back in the final two sets, winning 26-24 and 25-17, sweeping the Tigers in straight sets.
“Pitt is a very good team and they are a strong team,” said Head Coach Jessica Wood-Atkins. “But I honestly think we did not capitalize on the opportunities we had and we had a lot of opportunities to win every set.”
FHSU had the lead or was tied late in each set against the Gorillas, but Wood-Atkins said they let the close sets slip out of reach.
“Players let their emotions take over, they stop thinking and strategizing and at this level everything is a strategy,” she said.
Sophomore Gracie Rains led the Tigers in kills with nine, followed by sophomore Mya Vandrovec with seven kills. Freshman Ashlyn Reeves led in blocks with 2.5, followed by senior Riley Tinder along with Vandrovec with one block each. Vandrovec was one of the players that stood out to Wood-Atkins
“Mya came in and did a great job, she is such a strong blocker and when she comes to the court she brings a burst of energy,” Wood-Atkins said.
Wood-Atkins also spoke highly of Brooke Hyland, who led the team with 16 digs.
“She has kept some stuff alive that would terrify most people,” she said.
Sophomore Kirsten Evans was another player that stood out to Wood-Atkins this weekend, mentioning she got us a great run on her serves which the Tigers needed at points to keep their chances to win alive and to get their momentum back.
“The girl is serving, she’s passing, she’s setting, she’s playing defense, she’s doing everything…she’s a jack of all trades,” Wood-Atkins said.
Wood-Atkins said she has been impressed with how Evans and Hyland have played and how strong and steady they were from start to finish.
The Tigers have a short turnaround headed into the week. Looking to break their four-game losing streak, the Tigers go on the road to take on the University of Nebraska at Kearney Lopers on Tuesday. They will then face the Newman Jets in Wichita on Friday.