JOPLIN, Mo. - After rallying to take the second set against Missouri Southern on Friday (Oct. 20), the Tigers were unable to maintain the momentum, falling in four sets (18-25, 25-23, 16-25, 24-26). The Tigers are now 9-15 on the year and 1-9 in the MIAA, while the Lions improve to 10-13 overall and 3-7 in league action.
 
The Tigers were limited to a .041 attack percentage, second-lowest of the season. The Lions countered with a modest .149 swing rate while adding 12 blocks and four service aces. Callie Christensen led the Tigers with 10 kills while recording just one error, totaling a .346 attack percentage. The senior added five blocks (two solo), giving her 100 on the year. Magan Alexander also chipped in 10 kills, reaching double figures for the 12th time this year. Amirah Bentley picked up a double-double, tossing up 33 assists and adding 11 digs. Taylor White and Azlyn Cassaday both contributed 12 digs to lead the team.
 
After never leading in the opening set, FHSU grabbed an early advantage to open the second frame. The Tigers took the first two points before capturing four-straight points to go in front 7-3. After rallying to tie things up, the Lions used a 4-0 run later in the set to go in front 15-11. Fort Hays State then captured the next four points to tie things up before MSSU again scored four in a row to regain a 19-15 lead. The Tigers responded with a 7-1 run, taking back the lead, 22-20. Missouri Southern tied things up, but a kill from Logan Wallick and a Lion attack error gave the Tigers the set, 25-23, evening the match at one.
 
Fort Hays State led by as many as five in the third set, 10-5, before a 12-2 run gave the Lions a commanding 17-12 lead. Missouri Southern went on to take the set convincingly, 25-16. The Tigers led by five again in the fourth frame, 15-10, before the Lions rallied to tie things up at 16. Fort Hays State later reached set point thanks to four Lion errors, but MSSU captured the final three points to secure the set and the match, 26-24.
 
The Tigers will return to the floor on Saturday (Oct. 20) when they travel to Bolivar, Mo. to take on Southwest Baptist. First serve is set for 4:30 p.m.