The Fort Hays State Tigers clinched a spot in next week’s MIAA tournament with a doubleheader sweep of Nebraska-Kearney Saturday in Hays.

Game 1: FHSU 9, UNK 8
Amanda Vaupel hit a three-run homerun and the Tigers scored two runs in the sixth inning on their way to a 9-8 win over Nebraska-Kearney in game-one.

The Lopers scored five runs in the first inning and led 7-1 heading into the bottom of the second inning.

FHSU got three runs across to start the inning and then Vaupel homered to right field tying the game at 7.

Trailing 8-7 heading into the bottom of the sixth the Tigers got two on base for Kylie Strand who tied the game with a RBI single.

Rilee Krier then reached on an error that scored Paxton Duran to put the Tigers up 9-8 and they would hold on for the win.

Krier was 2-for-4 with two RBI’s and scored twice. Paxton Duran allowed three earned runs in seven innings to pick up the win.

The win for the Tigers secured a spot in the MIAA tournament next week in Overland Park.

Game 2: FHSU 4, UNK 0
Tori Beltz was 3-for-4 with a homerun, two doubles, drove in two runs and scored twice as the Tigers take game two 4-0.

Starter Kelsey Kimminau held the Lopers hitless through four innings and tossed a shutout in game two.

Kimminau allowed just three hits and struck out four in a complete game shutout.

The Tigers improve to 26-23 overall and 14-12 in the MIAA with the doubleheader sweep.

FHSU and UNK play a non-conference doubleheader in Kearney on Sunday.

The MIAA tournament begins Thursday in Overland Park.