KEARNEY, Neb. – Fort Hays State fell in straight sets at No. 7 ranked Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday evening (Oct. 24). The Lopers took the match by scores of 25-18, 25-21, and 25-15 to remain on top of the MIAA standings, moving to 24-2 overall and 11-1 in the MIAA. FHSU moved to 10-16 overall and 2-10 in the MIAA.
The Tigers held small leads several times early in the first set, but with the score tied 12-12 the Lopers went on a 7-1 burst to take a comfortable lead. UNK cruised the remainder of the set, outhitting FHSU .222 to .093.
Another 7-1 run by the Lopers early in the second set put the Tigers at arm's length. UNK maintained the comfortable margin nearly the entire set, leading by as many as seven points a couple times before FHSU made a late push, but it was too little, too late though. FHSU went on a 4-0 run to make it 24-21 before UNK collected the clinching point of the set.
The Tigers kept the third set close early, tying the Lopers at 6-6 and pulling within one at 12-11. However, UNK closed out the match on a 13-4 run, scoring the final four points of the match.
Kylie Rollman had a big match for the Tigers, producing a .481 hitting percentage on 15 kills. She had just two errors in 27 attempts.
Magan Alexander chipped in seven kills.
Amirah Bentley led the Tigers in assists with 19, though
Becca Page took over the setting duties in the third set and produced nine.
Taylor White was the only Tiger to reach double figures in digs with 21, averaging seven per set.
For UNK, Kendall Schroer led the way with 14 kills and a hitting percentage of .355. Julianne Jackson added 10 kills, while Anna Squiers was very efficient hitting .615 with nine kills and just one error on 13 attempts. Lindsey Smith churned out 36 assists, while Ellie McDonnell led four players that reached double figures in digs with 14.
The Tigers continue their road swing in Topeka on Saturday (Oct. 28). The Tigers will take on Washburn in conference play at 1 pm before staying at Lee Arena and playing a non-conference match immediately following against Oklahoma Baptist at 3 pm. FHSU defeated Oklahoma Baptist 3-0 at the MIAA-GAC Crossover Tournament in Bethany, Oklahoma earlier this year.
