KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Volleyball received the No. 5 seed for the MIAA Tournament as the bracket was released on Saturday evening. FHSU tied Central Missouri for fourth in the conference standings, but UCM held the tiebreaker on FHSU for the No. 4 seed. Therefore, the Tigers head to Warrensburg, Mo. for the opening round on Tuesday evening at 6 pm.

Tournament Bracket

Fort Hays State did all it could to take the No. 4 seed in the tournament by defeating Southwest Baptist on Saturday, but the hopes were dashed later in the evening when Central Missouri pulled out a five-set win over Northwest Missouri State. FHSU needed an NWMSU win to host a first round game and NWMSU had three match points, but UCM rallied and denied FHSU from hosting.

Fort Hays State reached the 25-win mark for the first time under head coach Kurt Kohler on Saturday, just the third time the program has reached that accomplishment in its NCAA Division II history. A win in the opening round of the MIAA Tournament would push the 2016 squad to the second-most wins alone in Fort Hays State’s NCAA history. They have matched the 25 wins of the 2003 squad. The 31 posted by the 2004 team is the only mark better.

Fort Hays State split the regular season meetings with Central Missouri. The Tigers won 3-1 in Hays, but the Jennies won 3-0 in Warrensburg. The win for FHSU in Hays was one of the biggest of the season, knocking off a No. 6 nationally ranked Jennies team. UCM was ranked No. 15 for the meeting in Warrensburg and currently holds the No. 16 ranking in the nation.

The Tigers have played well down the stretch of the regular season, winning five of their last six contests. FHSU enters the match at 25-8, while UCM is 22-9. Both finished 11-7 in the MIAA. The winner will potentially play either No. 1 seed Nebraska-Kearney or No. 8 seed Emporia State in the tournament semifinals on Friday at the site of the highest remaining seed in the tournament.

The tournament schedule is below.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 (at higher seed)
Game 1: #8 Emporia State at #1 Nebraska-Kearney          7 p.m.
Game 2: #5 Fort Hays State at #4 Central Missouri            6 p.m.
Game 3: #6 Northwest Missouri at #3 Central Oklahoma   7 p.m.
Game 4: #7 Missouri Western at #2 Washburn                   7 p.m.

Friday, November 18, 2016 (at higest remaining seed)
Game 5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2    TBA
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4    TBA

Saturday, November 19, 2016 (at same location as Friday matches)
Game 7: Semifinal Winners                                TBA

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Fort Hays State fell in its season opener to Southwest Minnesota State by a score of 84-60 on Saturday evening. A close game throughout the first half, FHSU went cold shooting the ball in the second half while SMSU heated and ran away with the game.

The Tigers and Mustangs went back-and-forth in the first half with 12 lead changes and eight ties. SMSU found a bit of separation by the end of the half, leading by five at the break 39-34. The Tigers shot well in the first half at 53.6 percent, while holding the Mustangs to just 41.4 percent. The free-throw line was the difference for SMSU before the break, where it was 13-of-14 compared to just 3-of-5 for FHSU.

Fort Hays State closed within four points twice early in the second half, but a 10-0 run by SMSU from the 15:14 to 13:40 marks quickly changed the complexion of the game. The Tigers would never cut the lead back inside double digits as the Mustangs shot the ball well after the break and cruised to the final 24-point margin. SMSU shot 56.3 percent from the field in the second half, which included a 5-of-10 effort beyond the 3-point line.

Hadley Gillum had the hot hand for FHSU, finishing with 20 points. He was 9-of-12 from the field and 2-of-2 at the free-throw line. Rob Davis was the only other Tiger in double figures with 11 points. After a hot shooting first half, FHSU cooled to just 37.5 percent shooting in the second half. The Tigers struggled from 3-point range all night, going just 1-of-10 beyond the arc. FHSU finished at 46.2 percent shooting from the field for the game. Turnovers were also a sticking point for FHSU, committing 19 compared to just eight for SMSU.

The Tigers face host University of Sioux Falls on Sunday evening (Nov. 13) at 5 pm in their second game at the NSIC/MIAA Challenge.

FHSU Sports Information

By Dustin Armbruster

Southwest Minnesota State jumped out to a 5-0 lead hitting their first two shots of the game before Fort Hays State put together a 12-0 to take a lead they would never give up. The Tigers led by seven twice in the first quarter but then went on a 4:40 scoring drought extending into the second quarter, allowing the Mustangs to stay with in five points at the end of the first quarter 15-10.

Once the Tigers broke out of the shooting drought they took off. Fort Hays outscored the Mustangs 25-13 in the second quarter to take their biggest lead of the game to the locker room 40-23. The Tigers were powered by eight three pointers in the first half by six different players. Fort Hays defensively forced 15 first half turnovers leading to a 12-1 scoring edge off of turnovers.

Highlights

The Tigers defense didn’t relent in the second half allowing a single point in the first five minutes of the third quarter and building their lead to 49-24. Fort Hays would push their lead as high as 30 in the third quarter and lead 59-32 heading into the fourth and cruised to an 83-49 victory.

Coach Tony Hobson

Jill Faxon led four in double figures with 16, Emma Stroyan scored 14 and Taylor Rohlfs and Kacey Kennett each added 12. Fort Hays hit 13 three pointers in the game while shooting 49% overall. Freshman Lauren Hedlund led the Mustangs with 12.

Emma Stroyan

Fort Hays moves to 2-0 on the season and head to St. Cloud, Minnesota to take for another two game classic, playing St. Cloud State on Friday and Bemidji State on Saturday. Southwest Minnesota State falls to 0-2.

By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

KEARNEY, Neb. – Shaquille Cooper rushed for a season-high 152 yards and a touchdown, Charles Tigner added another 95 on the ground with three touchdowns and Fort Hays State outscored Nebraska-Kearney 20-7 in the second half and beat the Lopers 27-17 Saturday afternoon at Cope Stadium at Foster Field.

Fort Hays State (7-4) finishes with their third straight season of seven or more wins, a first in program history.

Chris Brown Postgame Press Conference

 

Shaquille Cooper Postgame Interview

 

Charles Tigner Postgame Interview

 

Game Highlights

The Tigers (7-4) rushed for a season-best 299 yards as they win their fifth straight over the Lopers and fourth straight in Kearney.

Tigner scored on runs of 41, one and 29 yards, all out the wildcat package. Cooper’s 12-yard touchdown run with 4:02 to play capped a nine-play, 75-yard drive after Nebraska-Kearney (1-10) had cut the lead to three.

Fort Hays State struggled throwing the ball. Backup quarterback Brad Schencker completed 7-of-19 passes for 36 yards with no touchdowns and interceptions.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Fort Hays State volleyball team used a .326 attack percentage to cruise past Missouri Southern Friday evening in straight sets. The Tigers tallied 12 total blocks in the match, adding four service aces while committing just 11 attack errors. Fort Hays State moves to 24-8 on the year and 10-7 in MIAA play, while the Lions fall to 6-24 on the year and 3-24 in conference.

With the win, the Tigers remain in the hunt to host a match in the first round of the MIAA Tournament next Tuesday, with the final standings being decided on Saturday.

Callie Christensen was a force at the net, recording a school-record 11 blocks in the three-set match (rally scoring era). The junior’s total is one off the match record since the scoring changed in 2001 (Jenna Ulrich, 12, five sets). Rebekah Spainhour led the team with 12 kills on just 18 swings without recording an error, adding two blocks for good measure. Crystal Whitten tallied 11 kills and seven digs, sharing the team-high with Chandler Hillman and Ari Jacobsen. Hannah Wagy tossed up 37 of the team’s 39 assists, chipping in six digs and one block. Megan Anderson added seven blocks and eight kills.

The Lions hung around early in the match, trading points with the Tigers to keep the margin within four. After an MSSU kill made the score 11-9, the Tigers went on a 14-2 run to put the set on ice. FHSU scored the final six points of the set, capped off by a service ace from Azlyn Cassaday.

Multiple kills from Spainhour and Whitten helped the Tigers open a 10-6 lead in the second set, which is when things took off. The Tigers scored the next 11 points with Wagy serving, extending the lead to 21-6. The Lions clawed back with five-straight points, but three blocks from the Tigers over the last four points handed FHSU a 2-0 lead before the break.

The Lions took their first lead in the match to start the first set, but the Black and Gold made sure it wouldn’t last long. Trailing 5-4, a kill from Sydney Dixon sparked a 3-0 run for the Tigers, who took the lead for good. Anderson and Christensen combined for three-straight blocks midway through the set to stretch the lead to 17-9. It was only fitting that the match ended on a would-be Lion attack being blocked by the Fort Hays State front line. Wagy and Keely Ruby combined for the honors on the final point of the match, securing the sweep.

The Tigers will wrap up their regular season schedule Saturday afternoon when they travel to Bolivar, Mo. for a date with Southwest Baptist. First serve is scheduled for 11 a.m.

FHSU Sports Information

MANKATO, Minn. – Fort Hays State outshot Harding 17-9 as they earned a 3-1 win in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Central Regional Friday afternoon in Mankato, Minn.

The Tigers (15-4-2) struck first in the 40th minute on a header from Hannah Smith on an assist from Darby Hirsch to lead 1-0. Thayla Dwyer buried a goal in the back off the net off a pass from Dani Harris and Regan Lawler in the 55th minute to push the lead to 2-0.

Harding would chip into the lead in the 75th minute as McKenna Smith scored off a pass from Averie Albright.

FHSU would then make it a two goal lead again as Dwyer scored her second of the game this time off a pass from Kelsey Steffens.

In goal Abbie Flax earned her first win of the tournament with four saves facing nine total shots in the game.

The Tigers, who won their school record 15th game of the season, will now face second-seeded Minnesota State on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Mankato.

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

Fort Hays State opened up their season Friday afternoon taking on Upper Iowa University in the opening game of the Drury Inn Tip-Off Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri. Just like the season opener between the two one year ago, Fort Hays used a strong second half to pull away for an 82-56 victory.

Fort Hays jumped out to an early 7-3 lead on Upper Iowa, only to have the Peacocks rattle off seven straight points to take a 10-7 lead mid way through the first quarter. The Tigers outscored Upper Iowa 6-3 over the final minute of the first quarter capped off by a stick back basket by Kacey Kennett at the buzzer to tie the game at 15-15.

The Tigers opened the second quarter on a 10-2 run including five from Carly Heim to take their biggest lead of the first half at 25-17. Upper Iowa went on a 8-2 run of their own to get back with in two points at 27-25. Fort Hays got three pointers from Taylor Chandler and Sarah Pimentel to push their lead up to 34-29 at halftime.

Game Highlights

Upper Iowa kept the game close through first four minutes of the third quarter, trailing 40-36. Fort Hays would close the third quarter on a 14-4 run to start pulling away. The Tigers full court pressure eventually wore down Upper Iowa as Fort Hays used a 24-4 run in the fourth quarter on their way to the victory.

Taylor Chandler Postgame Interview

Taylor Chandler led three in double figures with 12. Taylor Rohlfs and Tatyana Legette each added ten. Legette added a career high 14 rebounds to lead both teams. Fort Hays out-rebounded Upper Iowa 47-25 and used 19 offensive rebounds to score 22 second chance points.

Tony Hobson Postgame Interview

The Tigers move to 1-0 on the season and play Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday in St. Joseph. Upper Iowa drops to 0-1 and will play Missouri Western to close the Drury Inn Tip-Off Classic.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men’s Soccer moved up five spots in the latest NSCAA Division II Top 25 Poll, released on Tuesday. The Tigers are now ranked No. 16 after a stay at No. 21 last week.

Fort Hays State moved up in the rankings by defeating a then No. 12 ranked Lindenwood squad this past Sunday. Lindenwood dropped to No. 20 in the latest poll with the loss. The Tigers and Lions are the only teams from the MIAA and Central Region referenced in the poll.

Fort Hays State has this week off before facing Lindenwood next Friday in the Central Region Championship, part of the NCAA Tournament Super Regional being held in Hays. The Tigers are hosting the Super Regional portion of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history. FHSU is making its fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the program’s sixth year of existence.

Below is the NSCAA Men’s Division II Top 25 Poll for November 8, 2016.

Rank	School	Prev.	W-L-T
1	LIU Post	2	17-0-1
1	Wingate University	1	14-1-0
3	Simon Fraser University	3	14-1-2
4	University Of Charleston	4	16-2-1
5	Lynn University	5	14-1-2
6	Rockhurst University	6	15-2-1
7	Adelphi University	7	17-1-1
7	St. Edward’s University	13	17-2-1
9	Pfeiffer University	9	18-2-0
10	University of California-San Diego	10	14-2-2
11	Midwestern State University	8	16-2-1
12	Saginaw Valley State University	14	15-3-1
13	Urbana University	15	13-4-1
14	University Of Tampa	RV	10-4-3
15	Colorado Mesa University	16	13-1-5
16	Fort Hays State University	21	13-4-1
17	Tusculum College	NR	16-3-0
18	Palm Beach Atlantic University	11	11-4-1
19	Dixie State University	RV	15-3-0
20	Lindenwood University	12	13-3-2
21	Mercyhurst University	24	15-4-1
22	Lander University	18	15-3-0
23	Tiffin University	NR	13-4-2
24	Florida Tech	22	10-4-1
25	Regis University	23	14-3-1

Also receiving votes: Sonoma State University, Merrimack College, West Texas A&M University, Southern New Hampshire University, Le Moyne College, University Of Southern Indiana, Franklin Pierce University.

FHSU Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Women’s Soccer will enter the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 24 as the latest NSCAA Division II Top 25 Poll was released on Tuesday (Nov. 8). The Tigers slipped three spots in the poll after the MIAA Tournament, where they fell in the semifinals.

The Tigers enter the national tournament at 14-4-2 overall. Four of the six teams participating in the Central Regional are ranked in the top 25. Top seed Central Missouri is ranked No. 3 in the latest poll, second seeded Minnesota State is ranked No. 15, third seed Fort Hays State is ranked No. 24, and fifth seed Minot State is ranked No. 25.

Below is the NSCAA Division II Top 25 Poll for November 8, 2016.

Rank	School	Prev.	W-L-T
1	Western Washington University	1	19-0-1
2	Grand Valley State University	2	19-1-1
3	University of Central Missouri	4	19-1-0
4	West Chester University	3	18-0-1
5	Columbus State University	5	18-2-0
6	Colorado School Of Mines	6	19-2-0
7t	University Of Bridgeport	7	16-3-0
7t	Saint Leo University	10	14-3-1
9t	Adelphi University	12	15-3-1
9t	University of California-San Diego	8	18-2-0
11	St. Edward’s University	9	15-1-2
12	Limestone College	14	17-1-0
13	Rockhurst University	15	17-2-2
14	LIU Post	22	14-3-2
15	Minnesota State University-Mankato	RV	16-3-2
16	University Of West Florida	NR	16-4-0
17	East Stroudsburg University	NR	15-4-2
18	Kutztown University	13	17-4-0
19	Nova Southeastern University	20	9-3-3
20	University of North Georgia	17	14-2-3
21	Sonoma State University	19	12-2-3
22	Truman State University	18	14-1-4
23	Colorado State University-Pueblo	23	14-4-1
24	Fort Hays State University	21	14-4-2
25t	Notre Dame College	24	15-1-3
25t	Minot State University	11	16-2-1

Also receiving votes: Carson-Newman University, McKendree University, Rollins College, Lee University.

FHSU Sports Information

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State Men’s Soccer had 12 players named to the 2016 All-MIAA Team, released on Tuesday. The Tigers have seven first team selections, four second team selections, and one honorable mention selection on this year’s team. Luis Mendez was named the MIAA Freshman of the Year.

Earning unanimous first team selections for the Tigers were forwards Maurizio Costa and Mauricio Castorino. They were the only players other than MIAA Player of the Year Xhovani Dokaj, forward from Lindenwood, to receive unanimous selections. Joining both on the first team are goalkeeper Michael Yantz, defenders Luis Torres and Drew Wilson, and midfielders Derick Gonzalez and Luis Mendez.

Second team selections went to defenders Sergio Villalba and Killian Gorman, midfielder Tobias Patino, and forward Michael Cole. Arsenio Chamorro earned an honorable mention selection.

Costa, a senior, earns All-MIAA First Team honors for the second straight year. He leads the Tigers in points with 24, entering the NCAA Tournament with eight goals and eight assists. He ranks second in the MIAA in points and is tied for third in total goals and assists. He was an all-region first team selection last year.

Castorino, a junior, is now a three-time All-MIAA selection, now a first team selection the last two years after a second team selection in 2014. Castorino was the MIAA Player of the Year and the D2CCA Region Player last year and the MIAA Freshman of the Year in 2014. He has put up solid numbers once again this year with five goals and 10 assists. He is tied for the MIAA and region lead in assists. He ranks fourth in the conference and third on the team in points with 20 for the season.

Yantz, a junior, shares first team honors at goalkeeper with Aleksa Nenadic of Lindenwood. Yantz ranks second in the MIAA in goals against average (1.21) and shutouts (3). He has a .737 save percentage for the season. He has a record of 7-4-1 for the season. He is now a two-time All-MIAA selection after second team honors last year.

Torres, a sophomore, picks up the first all-conference honor of his career with first team honors this season. Torres has been one of the top scoring defenders in the MIAA with seven goals this season, which is tied for third most on the team and fifth in the MIAA. He leads the team in minutes played (1,536) and has helped the team to five shutouts this season.

Wilson, a senior, earns his second All-MIAA honor by grabbing first team honors this year after an honorable mention selection in 2014. With 1,294 minutes played this season, he has also helped produce on the offensive end lending five assists for the year which ties for seventh in the MIAA.

Gonzalez, a junior, has been a key addition to the offense this year at forward after transferring from San Jacinto (Texas) College. He leads the team in goals with 10, the only player in the MIAA other than Lindenwood’s Dokaj to have double figures in goals this year. By adding two assists, his 22 points for the season ranks third in the MIAA. He is tied with Costa for the team lead in game-winning goals (3) as they are tied for second in the conference in that category.

Mendez, the MIAA Freshman of the Year, has put together a solid first year with the Tigers. He ranks fourth on the team in points with 15, producing seven goals and one assist. He is tied for third on the team in goals and that ties for fifth most in the MIAA. Mendez is tied for seventh in the MIAA in points. Mendez is the third FHSU player to earn the MIAA Freshman of the Year honor, joining Jason Babyak (2013) and Castorino (2014).

Villalba, a redshirt-freshman, earns second team honors this year. He has started all 18 matches at defender this year and has played 1,494 minutes. He has one goal to his credit this season.

Gorman, a junior, is now a two-time All-MIAA selection receiving second team honors this year. He was a conference and region first team selection last year. He ranks second on the team in minutes played this year with 1,516. He has helped the team to five shutouts and limit opponents to just 1.02 goals per game.

Patino, a redshirt-sophomore, gets the first all-conference nod of his career earning second team this year. The midfielder has four points this year with a goal and two assists, while playing 1,059 minutes.

Cole, a redshirt-senior, is now a four-time All-MIAA selection with second team honors this year. After sitting out last season, he has 15 points this season with five goals and five assists. He is tied for eighth in the MIAA in points and tied for sixth in assists. Cole was a first team all-conference selection in 2014, a second team selection in 2012, and an honorable mention selection in 2013. He is also a three-time all-region selection, earning first team honors in 2014.

Chamorro, a redshirt-freshman, earned an honorable mention selection this year. He has eight points with one goal and six assists. He ranks fifth in the MIAA in assists.

Below is the 2016 All-MIAA Men’s Soccer Team.

2016 ALL-MIAA SOCCER TEAM
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Xhovani Dokaj, F, Lindenwood

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Luis Mendez, MF, Fort Hays State

COACH OF THE YEAR
Carl Hutter, Lindenwood

FIRST TEAM
GK: Aleksa Nenadic, So., Lindenwood
GK: Michael Yantz, Jr., Fort Hays State
D: Luis Torres, So., Fort Hays State
D: Drew Wilson, Sr., Fort Hays State
D: Stefan Andric, Jr., Lindenwood
D: Jeremy Tutas, Jr., Lindenwood
D: Jose Sanchez, Sr., Lindenwood
D: Hugo Alves, Sr., Upper Iowa
MF: Derick Gonzalez, Jr., Fort Hays State
MF: Luis Mendez, Fr., Fort Hays State
MF: Kyle Weinrich, So., Lindenwood
MF: Nicolas Kondic, So., Lindenwood
MF: Trevor Reed, Jr., Northeastern State
MF: Joseph Garcia, So., Northeastern State
F: Mauricio Castorino, Jr., Fort Hays State**
F: Maurizio Costa, Jr., Fort Hays State**
F: Xhovani Dokaj, Sr., Lindenwood**
F: Blair Lyons, So., Upper Iowa
Results reflect ties in the voting
**Unanimous Selection

SECOND TEAM
GK: Connor Rortvedt, Jr, Upper Iowa
D: Sergiop Villalba, Fr., Fort Hays State
D: Killian Gorman, Jr., Fort Hays State
D: Andrew Galvon, Fr., Northeastern State
D: Logan Dahnert, Jr., Upper Iowa
MF: Tobias Patino, So., Fort Hays State
MF: Ryan Butchart, Jr., Lindenwood
MF: Garrett Gibson, Sr., Southwest Baptist
MF: Dominic Boland, So., Upper Iowa
MF: Fausto Ordenana, Sr., Upper Iowa
F: Michael Cole, Sr., Fort Hays State
F: Thomas Hutcheson, So., Lindenwood
F: Nijaz Muratovic, Sr., Lindenwood
F: Ryan Pinkerton, Sr., Upper Iowa
Results reflect ties in the voting

HONORABLE MENTION
Fort Hays State: Arsenio Chamorro, F
Northeastern State: Aaron Ugbah, F
Upper Iowa: Seth Russell, D
FHSU Sports Informatoin

Fort Hays State Weekly Football Press Conference
Novembrer 8, 2016

Fort Hays State head coach Chris Brown conducted his final weekly press conference in advance of the Tigers regular season finale at Nebraska-Kearney Saturday afternoon at Cope Stadium. Brown and select players met with the media inside Lewis Field on Tuesday, a session that can be heard by clicking on the links below.

Head coach Chris Brown

 

Junior QB Brad Schencker

Senior DL Sie Doe, Jr.

Senior LB Alex Schmidtberger

INDIANAPOLIS –Fort Hays State Soccer Stadium will play host to the NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Tournament for the first time in history, November 18 and 20, as Fort Hays State earned the No. 1 seed in the Central Region on Monday . The Tigers are 13-4-1 overall, while Lindenwood enters at 13-3-2 overall.

FHSU will host No. 2 seed Lindenwood in the Central Regional Final on Friday, November 18. The Midwest Regional Final will also take place that day in Hays. The winners of each match will meet on Sunday, November 20 in the Super Regional Final in Hays for the right to move on to the NCAA Championship site as one of the final four teams. The national semifinal and final matches will be held in Kansas City at Swope Park.

Fort Hays State has won the Central Regional Final two years in a row to get to the national quarterfinals. Unfortunately, the Tigers fell by one goal in 2014 and on penalty kicks last year, stopped short of the championship site by the Midwest Region champ each year.

More details on the NCAA Super Regional in Hays will become available soon as game times are set and the teams representing the Midwest Region are determined this weekend.

FHSU Sports Information