By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
With only four games left until the end of the MIAA volleyball regular season, FHSU is squarely in the hunt for a spot in the MIAA Tournament. The Tigers (15-9, 4-8) hold the tiebreaker for the No. 7 spot with Pitt State and are just 0.5 games up on Missouri Southern. With the top-8 teams making the tournament, every game matters at this point in the season.
This weekend, FHSU will face two teams from the top of the MIAA standings. Emporia State (18-5, 9-3) comes to town Friday and No. 6 Washburn (21-2, 10-2) will play in Hays on Saturday.
Earlier this season, the Hornets swept FHSU in Emporia. Despite the straight-set loss, the Tigers played a couple of close sets against ESU. Sophomore outside hitter Grace Schmedding said there are some specific aspects of their game the Tigers are looking to improve.
“We will play Washburn and Emporia, which were really good games for us in the past,” she said. “I think going into it, we know their strengths, we know our strengths, they know our strengths, but we’re coming in with better plays, better strategy, better just all around shot selection. We’re going to get as many points from the four from them as we can, and we’re going to take as many sets as we can from them, and hopefully we pull out with a win.”
On Saturday, FHSU and Washburn will face off. The Ichabods are one of the strongest teams in the nation, and also won their previous game against FHSU 3-0. Similar to the loss to Emporia, the Tigers were close to Washburn in a couple of the sets. Schmedding also said they have confidence in their ability to challenge Washburn on Saturday.
“We need just to be smart with how we play, instead of just being a one-trick pony, just going out and giving our best, giving our all,” she said.” “It doesn’t matter who’s on the other side of the net at the end of the day, it’s about how we play. It’s about how we play our game as a team.”
Schmedding also spoke about her preparation for match day, her daily routine, and what she focuses on before games.
“I’m always antsy. I get up, eat a good breakfast from the caf, and then come here (GMC). Carsyn (Cormaney) and I always get a cup of coffee before the game and kind of just talk about it,” Schmedding said. “We do talk about what we’re going to do mentally. And then, before the game, we always pray. I think it’s always good to get into the Word before so I can focus my mind on something bigger than volleyball, like what I’m playing for.”
FHSU and Emporia play at 6 p.m. on Friday, while the Tigers and Ichabods will play at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Both games will be at Gross Memorial Coliseum.