HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team came up short against No. 4 Central Oklahoma Friday evening (Oct. 17), losing 25-21, 25-16, 25-18. Despite the defeat, Fort Hays State (13-7, 2-6 MIAA) recorded 59 digs and five total blocks on the night.
 
The Tigers scored the first two points to take an early lead, however the fourth-ranked Bronchos (19-2, 5-2 MIAA) responded with a 14-3 run to race in front. After trailing by as many as 10, 17-7, the Tigers scored six in a row to close within four thanks to a pair of kills from Caiya Stucky Reyes. FHSU later narrowed the gap to three at 21-18 after a kill from Ashlyn Reeves, but the Bronchos finished things out with a 4-3 run.
 
Neither side could pull away early in the second set, with the scoring margin sitting at two or fewer for much of the frame. The teams traded the lead four times until UCO broke open a 13-13 tie with three in a row to extend the largest lead of the set. FHSU closed within 17-15 before the Bronchos scored seven in a row to push the lead to nine, 24-15.
 
Fort Hays State led 5-4 early in the third set thanks in part to two more kills from Reyes before the Bronchos scored eight in a row to quickly take a 12-5 lead. The Tigers later closed within three thanks to back-to-back service aces from Miley Brown, but the visitors were able to finish the set on an 8-4 run to take the win, 25-18.
 
Reyes led the team with nine kills and three blocks, while Reeves added eight kills and two blocks. Kirsten Evans led the team with 16 digs, while Annie Eaton contributed 12 digs and seven assists. Abrey Galt dished out a team-high 16 assists while adding seven digs.
 
The Tigers will return to action Saturday afternoon (Oct. 18) when they host Arkansas-Fort Smith beginning at 1 p.m.