PITTSBURG, Kan. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team fell to Pittsburg State in four sets on Saturday (Nov. 1) inside John Lance Arena, with scores of 19-25, 25-22, 15-25, 17-25. The Tigers (15-9, 4-8 MIAA) held a 6-1 edge in service aces, but 17 blocks helped push the Gorillas (11-12, 4-8 MIAA) to victory.

Fort Hays State began the first set with a strong start, taking an early 4-1 lead with key contributions from Grace Schmedding and Ella Goodwin. Abrey Galt facilitated effective plays, allowing the Tigers to capitalize on Pittsburg State's errors. Despite the early momentum, the Gorillas responded to level the score at 7-7.

The set saw Fort Hays State regain control briefly, as Schmedding continued her impactful play, extending their lead to 14-10. However, Pittsburg State mounted a comeback to capture the lead at 16-15. Despite efforts from Carsyn Cormaney and Schmedding to close the gap, the Gorillas maintained their lead and closed the set at 25-19.

Ashlyn Reeves contributed two kills early in the second set, helping the Tigers to a 5-1 lead. The team capitalized on opponent errors and maintained pressure, extending the advantage to 11-8 following a service ace by Galt.

As the set progressed, Caiya Stucky Reyes delivered impactful kills, supported by effective setups from Annie Eaton. Fort Hays State pushed ahead 19-13, using a combination of offensive strikes and defensive blocks. Despite a brief push from Pittsburg State to close the gap to 23-21, the Tigers secured the set 25-22, with Gracie Rains delivering the final kill from Galt.

Fort Hays State began the third set facing a strong push from Pittsburg State, who quickly established a 7-0 lead. The initial momentum was shifted by Peyton Bergschneider's kill, which put the Tigers on the scoreboard. Despite an early deficit, Rains delivered multiple kills and Eaton contributed with a service ace, helping the Tigers to a 6-0 run and narrowing the gap to 12-9.

Momentum continued to build for Fort Hays State with consecutive service aces from Delaney Gish, bringing the score closer at 15-13. However, Pittsburg State responded with a series of attacks, pulling ahead to 23-15. Ultimately, the Tigers could not overcome the deficit, concluding the set with a 25-15 score in favor of Pittsburg State.

Fort Hays State entered the fourth set trailing and looked to shift momentum early on. Reeves delivered a kill, and Rains added to the board shortly after, but Pittsburg State maintained control, building a 10-5 lead. The Tigers continued to respond with plays from Bergschneider and Reyes, yet Pittsburg State's steady attack kept them ahead.

The Tigers attempted to close the gap with a series of successful plays, including a service ace from Hope Duncan and another kill by Rains, which brought the score to 21-16. Despite the efforts, Pittsburg State managed to close the set at 25-17.

Kirsten Evans recorded a team-high 22 digs, providing strong defensive support throughout the match. Galt contributed significantly with 16 assists and added 11 digs to her stat line. Reeves made an impact at the net with five total blocks, showcasing her blocking capabilities effectively. Rains led the team in scoring with 11 kills and contributed two blocks in the match.

The Tigers will return to Hays to for their final four regular season matches starting Friday (Nov. 7) when they host Emporia State beginning at 6 p.m.