The Tiger volleyball team improved to 11-12 overall and 2-7 in the MIAA with a 3-0 win over Missouri Southern in conference play on Friday night (Oct. 25) at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. The Tigers

Missouri Southern held early leads in each set, but the Tigers battled through to take control. Fort Hays State built a steady lead throughout the first set, leading by as many as four at 20-16 and 24-20 before taking the set by five 25-20. The Tigers enjoyed a six-point lead at 15-9 in set two and rallied for the last six points to win by 10, 25-15. The Lions pushed the Tigers in the third set, staying close throughout. They pulled within one at 24-23 before Taylor Mares put the match away with a kill.

Fort Hays State’s outside hitters had a huge night with Madison Schwartz putting down 12 kills and Sara Hewson adding nine. Schwartz hit .429 for the match, while Hewson hit .300. Both players cooled a bit in the third set as Schwartz was hitting .643 and Hewson .545 through two sets.

Mares also reached double digits in kills with 11, while Mallory Flagor added eight. Libby Ary led the Tigers in assists with 20, while Raegan Vandeplas added 15. Schwartz had a double-double on the night with a team-high 12 digs. Hewson matched her in digs with 12.

Callie Whetstone led Missouri Southern with seven kills. Abby Finder had 26 assists and Kamri Nehls had 10 digs.

The Tigers return to action on Saturday (Oct. 26) at 3 pm against Southwest Baptist at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

— FHSU Sports Information —