The Lady Tigers are coming off a 22-7 season a year ago, finishing fifth in the MIAA at 12-6. They are picked fourth in both the MIAA coaches and media preseason rankings. They open with an exhibition game at Creighton on Monday, November 4th. They open the season Wednesday, November 13th at Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Others Receiving Votes: Glenville State College (W.Va.) 126; Shaw University (N.C.) 117; University of Indianapolis (Ind.) 109; West Liberty University (W.Va.) 67; Edinboro University (Pa.) 62; University of Findlay (Ohio) 60; Academy of Art University (Calif.) 58; Metropolitan State University of Denver (Colo.) 47; Montana State University – Billings 45; Seattle Pacific University (Wash.) 39; Arkansas Tech University 36; Lenoir-Rhyne University (N.C.) 35; California University of Pennsylvania 29; New York Institute of Technology 29; Tarleton State University (Texas) 29; Pittsburg State University (Kan.) 28; University of California – San Diego 28; Newberry College (S.C.) 24; Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 22; Ferris State University (Mich.) 22; University of District of Columbia (DC) 18; University of Southern Indiana (Ind.) 18; Assumption College (Mass.) 17; Livingstone College (N.C.) 17; University of Colorado – Colorado Springs 17; Winston-Salem State University (N.C.) 17; Northeastern State University (Okla.) 16; Saint Mary’s University (Texas) 15; Fayetteville State University (N.C.) 13; Saint Cloud State University (Minn.) 12; Southwestern Oklahoma State University 12; University of Tampa (Fla.) 11; West Texas A&M University 11; Colorado School of Mines 10; Quincy University (Ill.) 10; Bellarmine University (Ky.) 9; Wayne State College (Neb.) 9; Wayne State University (Mich.) 9; Drury University (Mo.) 8; Fort Lewis College (Colo.) 8; Georgia Regents University Augusta 7; North Georgia College & State University 7; Florida Institute of Technology 6; Franklin Pierce University (N.H.) 6; Hillsdale College (Mich.) 6; University of North Alabama 6; Tuskegee University (Ala.) 5; Wingate University (N.C.) 5; Harding University (Ark.) 4; California State University – Monterey Bay 2; CW Post Campus – LIU (N.Y.) 2; Fort Hays State University (Kan.) 2; Indiana University of Pennsylvania 2; Pace University (N.Y.) 2; Barton College (N.C.) 1; California State Polytechnic University – Pomona 1; Clark Atlanta University (Ga.) 1; Northwest Nazarene University (Idaho) 1; University of Minnesota – Duluth 1.

Jamie Babyak of the Fort Hays State University women’s soccer team was named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, as announced by the conference office Tuesday (Oct. 29).

Babyak, a junior defender from Austin, Texas, scored her first goal and tallied her first assist of the 2013 season in the Tiger’s 3-1 win over MIAA opponent Lindenwood last Friday evening (Oct. 25).  She played the entire 90 minutes of the match.

Babyak’s free kick from 50 yards out found the head of teammate Margaret Meier for a header goal at 66:48, and just over three minutes later, scored for herself on a 45-yard free kick just over an outstretched goalie’s arms.

The Tigers travel to Kearney, Neb., on Friday, Nov. 1 for their season finale against Nebraska-Kearney.  The match is scheduled for 7 p.m.

— FHSU Sports Information —

Fort Hays State University’s Makenzie Weinman was named the MIAA Defensive Specialist of the Week, as announced by the conference office Monday.

Weinman Weinman averaged an impressive 7.00 digs per set while helping the Tigers go 4-0 last week, including two wins over MIAA opponents. Her 77 digs were a team-high, and she added 16 assists over three matches played.

The senior from Phillipsburg, Kan., had 34 digs in Monday’s match against Friends University and Saturday’s match against Southwest Baptist, both just two behind her career-best performance.

FHSU is in the midst of a six-game win streak and battles No. 9 Nebraska-Kearney on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at home.  The match is scheduled for 7 p.m

— FHSU Sports Information —

Kansas City, Mo. – Several close games highlighted the schedule as just three undefeated teams remain after week eight.

Nebraska-Kearney 28, Southwest Baptist 14 
Nebraska-Kearney rolled out 288 yards on the ground as they picked up a win on the road Southwest Baptist. UNK held SBU to just 189 yards in the game only four on the ground as they moved to 3-5 on the season.

For the Lopers Romero Cotton rushed for 148 yards and a touchdown. Luke McNitt rushed for 85 yards and two scores and passed for 98 yards and a touchdown. On defense Tyke Kozeal led the way with 14 tackles and Kellen Werner made nine stops. For the Bearcat offense Jay Dominguez was 14 of 24 for 127 yards and a touchdown. Evan Ray and Zachary Sohn each hauled in touchdown catches. Defensively Shaquille Shedd and Zach Moore had 12 tackles each and Ivan Hodges made 11 stops.

#10 Washburn 44, Lindenwood 35 
#10 Washburn had to overcome a halftime deficit to win at home over Lindenwood in a shootout. Trailing 28-24 in the third quarter WU scored 13 straight to move to 8-0 on the year.

For the Ichabods Mitch Buhler was 25 of 39 for 277 yards and five touchdowns. Tore’ Hurst caught two touchdowns passes and Matt Buhler, Matt Kobberman and Vershon more each hauled in one pass for a score. On defense Bryce Atagi and Ryan Macken each made six stops on the afternoon. For the Lions Dillon Miller was 27 of 38 for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Alex Robinson and Sam Sealer each hauled in touchdown catches while Robinson finished with 100 yards and Marvin Byrd added two scores on the ground. On defense Roderick Ryles had nine tackles and forced a fumble.

Central Missouri 51, Northeastern State 7 
Central Missouri scored the first 44 points of the game as they picked up a victory at home over Northeastern State. UCM racked up 603 yards of total offense while holding NSU to 215 yards as they moved to 4-4 on the year.

For the Mules LaVance Taylor rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown as Evan Campbell and Kellen Kempf also added scores on the ground. Hayden Hawk was 16 of 33 through the air for two touchdowns. On defense Josh Powell and Alex Perlin each made six stops and Zach Quines had an interception. For the RiverHawks Cory Meaders was 8 of 12 for 93 yards and one touchdown. Prince McJunkins caught seven passes for 83 yards and the lone NSU touchdown. Kyler Harris had a team best 18 tackles and Chandler Barr and Darrain Winston each picked off a pass.

#12 Pittsburg State 34, #4 Missouri Western 14
#12 Pittsburg State rebounded from their first loss of the season by pulling the upset on the road at #4 Missouri Western. MWSU got a touchdown on special teams and racked up 471 yards of offense to move to 7-1 on the year.

For the Gorillas Jeff Seybold carried the ball 24 times for 179 yards and three touchdowns. Anthony Abenoja was 13 of 25 for 191 yards hitting Gavin Lutman three times for a team best 88 yards. Jason Peete blocked a punt and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown and Nate Dreiling made a team best 11 stops. For the Griffons Travis Partridge was 16 of 32 for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Raphael Spencer carried the ball 16 times for 101 yards and Reggie Jordan hauled in two touchdown passes. Defensively Yomi Alli had 15 tackles and Marc Harrison forced a fumble that Sam Brown recovered.

#2 Northwest Missouri 43, Missouri Southern 7 
Northwest Missouri used a strong second half to pick up a win at home over Missouri Southern. NWMSU held MSSU to just 221 yards, not allowing a single passing yard to move to 8-0 on the season.

For the Bearcats Brady Bolles was 13 for 20 with 193 yards and one touchdown in the air, also adding a touchdown on the ground. Bill Creason, Kyle Zimmerman, Robert Burton and Bryce Young also added scores on the ground. DJ Gnader led the way on defense with nine total tackles and Eric Reimer made eight stops. For the Lions Chris Barnwell had 16 carries for 104 yards and Ty’Quan Hayes had the lone touchdown on the ground. On defense Gai Washington had 11 total stops and Elijah Swen picked off a pass.

Fort Hays State 45, Lincoln 35 
Fort Hays State picked up their fourth straight victory, picking up the win on the road at Lincoln. The two teams racked up 918 yards on the day as FHSU moved to 4-4 on the year.

For the Tigers Treveon Albert was 22 of 34 for 294 yards and three touchdown. Keaton Callins, Bilal Salat and Isaiah Maxi each had touchdown catches and Ed Smith added a score on the ground. On defense Michael Terry had nine tackles and forced a fumble and added an interception. For the Lions Jacob Morris was 19 of 31 for 177 yards and two touchdowns, adding 25 carries for 141 yards and two scores. Morris Henderson had 19 carries for 131 yards and one touchdown and Percy Turner and Andre Borney hauled in scores. On defense Kendrick Causey led the way with 14 stops and Daniel Mande and Treston Pulley each forced fumbles.

— MIAA Media Relations —

The Fort Hays State Tigers outscore Lincoln 21-3 after falling behind by eight in the third quarter and beat the Lincoln Blue Tigers 45-35 Saturday afternoon in Jefferson City, Missouri. The win is the Tigers fourth straight and improves them to 4-4 on the season and 3-4 in the MIAA. Lincoln drops their 11th-straight conference game and falls to 1-7 overall and 0-7 in the MIAA.

Chris Brown Postgame Interview

The Tigers forced a fumble on the second play of the game then scored three plays later on a 32-yard touchdown catch from freshman Isaiah Maxi. Edward Smith’s one-yard TD run pushed the lead to 14-0 with 4:46 to play in the first.

Treveon Albert / Justin McPhail Postgame Interview

Lincoln came storming back, outscoring the Tigers 25-10 in the second quarter and led 25-24 at the half.

The Blue Tigers forced a fumble on the Tigers first series of the third quarter when they sacked quarterback Treveon Albert on fourth down. They would march 57 yards in nine plays and take a 32-24 lead with 9:18 to play in the third.

Game Highlights

A career-best 68-yard punt by Cameron Owens pinned Lincoln at their own one. Daniel Lindsey then picked off a pass at the 30 setting up a 16-yard TD pass to freshman Bilal Salat. to pull FHSU within a point at 32-31 with 5:06 to play in third.

A muffed punt return by Keaton Callins gave Lincoln the  ball back at the Tiger 21, but FHSU held the Blue Tigers to a field goal.

The Tigers would answer with 10-play 70-yard scoring drive, capped by Edward Smith’s second rushing touchdown of the game to put FHSU in the lead for good at 38-35 with 10:48 to play. A fumble recovery near mid field gave the Tigers the ball back and they would ice the game on Andre Smith’s 24-yard TD run on fourth and two. Michael Terry picked off a pass on the next possession and the Tiger ran out the clock.

The Tigers finished with 463 yards off offense and Lincoln with 455. Treveon Albert completed 22 of 34 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Andre Smith had 98 rushing yards on 21 carries and Tanner Hageman grabbed a team-high six passes for 58 yards.

The Fort Hays State University volleyball team won its sixth straight match with a 3-1 (26-24, 25-22, 24-26, 28-26) victory over Southwest Baptist on Saturday afternoon inside the Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers (12-12, 3-7 MIAA) were led by Taylor Mares’ 22 kills – a career-high performance.

Libby Ary (34 assists) and Raegan Vanderplas (19 assists) appeared in the setter role in all four sets, and Makenzie Weinman’s 34 digs led the team.

In the front row, Mallory Flagor was second behind Mares with 14 kills, while Jenna Ulrich had six blocks, pushing her season total to 118.

SBU (14-10, 4-7 MIAA) hit .181 in the match, led by McKinley Chelsey’s 13 kills.

Down 11-5 in the first set, the Tigers stormed back with a 7-1 run to tie the match, 12-12.  Included in that run was a stretch of four unanswered points.  From there, SBU climbed back to a three-point lead (16-13), but the Tigers wouldn’t yield, tying the match at 16 and 17 before taking the lead until 24-all, setting up a win-by-two situation.  A kill by Sara Hewson and a Bearcat ball handling error gave FHSU the set point, 26-24.

Set 2 of the night was close throughout, as the Tigers jumped ahead 2-0 to start the match and remained in control into a 10-10 tie.  Later in the set, FHSU would trail by as many as four (17-13), but battled back to 19-19 on an Ary ace.  Fort Hays State used a Bearcat error to gain the lead for good, closing out the set, 25-22 on Mares’ 10th kill of the night.

Out of intermission, FHSU led 1-0, but fell behind soon after, trailing by as many as three (9-6) until kills by Mallory Flagor, Hewson and Mares brought the teams square, 9-9.  After trading points until 15-all, a four-point rally for SBU forced Fort Hays State to call a timeout.  Down 22-18, a kill by Ulrich sparked a 5-0 Tiger run, propelling the Tigers to a 23-22 lead.  SBU, though, recovered and took the set, 26-24.

Trailing by as many as six (16-10) in the fourth set, the Tigers slowly climbed back into the match.  With SBU ahead 22-18, FHSU stormed back on a 7-2 run to take a 25-24 lead.  With match point looming, the squads traded points to 26-25.  Fort Hays State clinched the match when a long rally that saw the ball trade sides 11 times ended as an SBU attack landed outside the line.

The Tigers remain 11th in the MIAA standings, but are just one game back of Pittsburg State, which holds the No. 8 spot (the final qualifying position for the MIAA standings).

FHSU continues its home stand on Tuesday, Oct. 29 against No. 9 Nebraska-Kearney at 7 p.m.  UNK defeated the Tigers, 3-0, earlier this season in Kearney, Neb.

— FHSU Sports Information —

Fort Hays State University exploded with four second half goals to defeat Harding, 4-1, on Saturday afternoon in Hays, Kan.
The Tigers (10-2-2, 5-1-2 MIAA) fired 22 shots against the Bisons defense, matching the shot total from a matchup at Harding (5-6-3, 3-5-0 MIAA) earlier this season.

Just out of halftime, FHSU’s Diego Cabral took a corner kick from the left side that traveled over the box to Ricardo Yeverino.  Yeverino’s pass into the middle of the box found Carolo Lanares, who punched it in for his second career goal (and second of the season).

HU would answer back less than a minute later, as Christopher Walker passed from mid-field to Cole Walker in a breakaway situation.  Cole Walker then chipped a shot over an outstretched Jason Babyak.  It was just the ninth goal allowed by Babyak on the season.

FHSU, though, would take control from there.  In the 62nd minute, Tanner Brock fired a pass into the box for Michael Cole,  A chip shot gave the sophomore his third goal of the season, and the Tigers a 2-1 advantage.

Two minutes later, Cabral scored his eighth goal of the season to go with his earlier assist.  Cabral found himself in a 1-on-1 situation on the right side of the box, and drilled a shot from 20 feet out into the left side of the net.

Up 3-1, Fort Hays State would push its lead three at 80:21. Anthony Hernandez’s pass from midfield to Yeverino led the redshirt senior to break away from the pack and score his team-leading ninth goal of the year.

Saturday’s contest was Senior Day at FHSU Soccer Stadium, as Yeverino and Daniel Peralta were recognized for their contributions in a halftime ceremony.

The Tigers close out the home portion of their 2013 schedule against No. 19 West Texas A&M on Tuesday, Oct. 29.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

— FHSU Sports Information —

The Fort Hays State women’s cross country team finished sixth at the MIAA Championships in Pittsburg, Kan. on Saturday (Oct. 26). Fort Hays State put together a team score of 163 with its highest finisher in 22nd.

Leading the way for Fort Hays State was Ramsey McCarter, covering the 6K course in a time of 22:55. Marie Schaller was three spots back in 25th with a time of 23:03. Micki Krzesinkski was 34th in 23:18, Kylie Gaughan was 42nd in 23:33, and Carman Hill was 45th in 23:39.

Southwest Baptist ran away with the team title with four runners in the top 10. The Bearcats scored 35 points and Nebraska-Kearney was the next closest with 72. Jessica Macy of Pittsburg State won the individual title in a time of 21:08.

Fort Hays State now looks towards the NCAA Division II Central Regional in two weeks, held in Sioux Falls, S.D.

— FHSU Sports Information —

A repeat as conference champion was not to be for the FHSU men’s cross country team as it finished seventh at the MIAA Championships on Saturday (Oct. 26). Fort Hays State had only two runners inside the top 20 finishers in the race and finished with a team score of 153.

Cory Keehn, last year’s MIAA individual champion, garnered All-MIAA honors for the second straight year, finishing 10th. He ran a time of 25:12 on the 8K layout. Jonny Bernaksy grabbed honorable mention honors by finishing 18th overall in a time of 25:34.

Isaac Mills finished 28th with a time of 25:57, Ryan Hopkins was 46th in 26:23, and Nathan Purdue was 55th in 26:39.

Central Missouri edged Missouri Southern by one point for the team title, 56 to 57. Adam Volkert of Pittsburg State, who ran a good portion of the race with just one shoe, won the individual title in a time of 24:35.

Fort Hays State now looks towards the NCAA Division II Central Regional in two weeks, held in Sioux Falls, S.D.

— FHSU Sports Information —

The Fort Hays State University women’s soccer team knocked off Lindenwood, 3-1, in its home finale of the 2013 season.

FHSU (7-7-3, 3-4-3 MIAA) took the first and last shots of the first half, part of its six first half attempts, while LU (8-6-1, 5-2-1 MIAA) tallied seven shots

Haley Davey took aim just 13 seconds into the game, and had two shots in the opening five minutes.

Jamie Babyak’s shot with just 23 seconds to go in the half sailed wide, sending the squads to halftime in a 0-0 tie.

The Tigers would explode in the second half, scoring three goals in the span of ten minutes and out-shooting the Lions, 11-5 in the final frame.

At 61:58, Davey’s cross from the right side missed FHSU’s attackers in the middle, but Talbott found the ball on the left side of the box, gathered herself and fired.  Her shot deflected off the right post into the net.  It was Talbott’s fourth goal of the season.

Soon after, in the 67th minute, Babyak would line up for a free kick from 50 yards out along the right sideline.  Babyak’s pass into the box found Margaret Meier waiting for the header.   It was Meier’s first goal of the season, and Babyak’s second assist of the year.

Just under four minutes later, Babyak would tally a goal of her own.  The junior took another free kick from approximately 45 yards out, in the center of the pitch, and snuck the shot just over goalie Bailey Tracy’s outstretched arms.

Lindenwood’s Danielle Torry would score in the 89th minute, but it was too little, too late for the Lions.

Talbott, the Tigers’ lone senior, was honored at halftime for Senior Night.

With the win, FHSU moved into the No. 6 spot in the MIAA standings with 12 points – one point ahead of Emporia State and Nebraska Kearney.  The Tigers close out the regular season on Sunday with a 7 p.m. match against UNK, in Kearney, Neb.

— FHSU Sports Information —

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 —

No. 17 Fort Hays State University drew, 0-0, with No. 25 Northeastern State in Hays, Kan.  Thursday’s contest was a rematch of a tie earlier this season.

Ranked No. 2 in the Central Region, the Tigers (9-2-2, 4-1-2 MIAA) struggled to find rhythm on offense for much of the game, but strong defensive play fought off 12 shots by NSU (7-2-4, 4-1-2 MIAA).  The RiverHawks are No. 3 in the Central Region.

After firing just one shot in the first half, FHSU nearly broke the stalemate in the 58th minute. Michael Cole passed the ball into a cluttered box, finding Daniel Peralta, who nearly put it past a diving Eric Shephard.

In the first overtime, both squads took two shots, though none were on goal.  Fort Hays State would take the only shot in the second overtime period – an attempt by Tanner Brock that went wide right.

Kent Freund played the entire 110 minutes, saving three shots.

FHSU hosts Harding on Saturday at 1 p.m. for Senior Day, where Ricardo Yeverino and Peralta will be honored prior the game.

— FHSU Sports Information —