Story by MAYAN PAZ Photos by DANIELA SALINAS and RORY MOORE
Tiger Media Network
For the first time this season, the Fort Hays volleyball team (4-8,12-9) won an MIAA matchup at Gross Memorial Coliseum, defeating Newman University (0-12, 3-23) with a 3-1 win to start their weekend, and continued with an impressive performance and a convincing 3-0 weep against Pittsburg State University (5-7, 10-12). With the two wins, the Tigers moved to the ninth spot in the MIAA standings. FHSU is only one game behind Pittsburg State and Central Missouri, as only eight teams will make it to the MIAA Tournament.
The Tigers have struggled at home during MIAA play after having to move their training sessions at the beginning of the season outside of the Gross Memorial Coliseum due to maintenance work. This past weekend was their last opportunity to register home wins, Against Newman, the Tigers lost the first set 25-22 but came back with a decisive 25-14 in the second and followed with 25-22 and 27-25 set victories. Gracie Rains led the Tigers with 18 kills and 19.5 points on the offensive side, and Kirsten Evans led the defense with 17 digs.
“We haven’t been home much at all, and so this was a big weekend for us, especially with it being our last home matches,” said FHSU Head Coach Jessica Wood-Atkins.
On Saturday, the Tigers played Pittsburg State for senior day, with two seniors being recognized: Jessica Saunders, a graduate assistant for the coaching staff and a javelin thrower for the track team, and Claire Olson, a right-side hitter and one of the leaders of the team.
For Olson, it was a special day; not only did she get to play at home for the final time, but she was also excellent throughout the game, scoring 13.5 points with 12 kills. The last one will be one to remember.
The Tigers had the match point in their hands as the ball moved back from the Gorillas’ side of the net to the Tigers’ side. As soon as the Tigers gained control of the ball with the first touch, there was a sense of anticipation in the arena. The second touch set the ball to the right side of the net, and in perfect timing, Olson emerged, soared toward it, and with her left hand spiked the ball and placed it between the Pitt State defenders, securing the win for the Tigers.
“It was an amazing feeling. I was glad that I got the opportunity to hit that last point and get the win for my team. For sure,” Olson said.
The Fort Hays State University women’s Volleyball team runs onto the court at Gross Coliseum for their game against the Pittsburg State Gorillas. 
The Tigers huddle up for pep talk before the game. 
Right Side Hitter Claire Olson is greeted by her teammates as her name is announced. 
Fort Hays takes on Pittsburg State. 
Both teams huddle up in between plays. 
Ashlyn Reeves deflects a shot from the Gorillas with assistance from Caiya Stucky. 
Setter Caiya Stucky kicks off a set during regulation. 
Stucky scored 2.0 points from seven total attempts and one kill. 
Haylee Wolf positions herself to deflect a Gorilla shot with assistance from Gracie Rains. 
Stucky knocks the ball midair for her teammates to serve. 
Outside Hitter Gracie Schmedding scored 16.0 points from 14 kills and 29 total attempts in three sets played. 
Two seniors on the Women’s Volleyball team were honored after the game. 
Former player and Student Assistant Coach Jessica Saunders poses with family during a honorary ceremony. 
Claire Olson walks onto homecourt with her family. 
Olson embraces Assistant Coach Carolynne Barbosa. 
Olson poses with family and coaches. 
Saunders and Olson receive honorary Jerseys upon their graduation as seniors.
The Tigers won the first set 27-25 but were more decisive in the following games, completing the sweep with 25-16 and 25-22 set wins. The best player for Fort Hays was freshman Grace Schmedding, who scored 16 points but was also a crucial part of the team’s defense, adding 10 digs to go with her 14 kills.
“It was a good game,” Schmedding said. “We played with a lot of intensity and adrenalin, and I’m happy that I helped the team win.”
The Tigers have four games left in the season, all on the road against teams that are ahead of FHSU in the MIAA standings, but for Wood-Atkins, playing on the road is not a concern.
“We’re better on the road. I’m not worried about it at all. I think we pair well against all four of those teams,” she said.
The Tigers will play Emporia State at 6 p.m. on Friday and Washburn at 6 p.m. on Saturday.