HAYS - The Fort Hays State volleyball team was unable to overcome No. 3 Washburn Friday evening, with the Ichabods pulling away in three sets, 25-19, 25-19, 25-20.
The Tigers held leads in all three sets, but a few big runs by the visitors sealed the win for Washburn.
Fort Hays State is now 5-4 overall and 0-1 in MIAA play, while the Ichabods move to 9-1 on the year and 1-0 in league action.
Washburn created separation in the middle of the first set before the Tigers made a run to close the gap, but the Ichabods held on to secure a 25-19 win. Fort Hays State led as late as 10-8 in the second set, but a 7-1 Ichabod run gave the visitors the lead for good. The Tigers again hung around early in the third frame, leading as late as 9-8 before the Washburn scored five-straight to pull in front.
Claire Olson led the Tigers with 10 kills, posting a .450 attack percentage thanks to just one error. The freshman also added two blocks. Morgan Christiansen added eight kills, two blocks (one solo) and three digs. Isabelle Reynolds recorded seven kills, one service ace and one block, while Riley Tinder contributed six kills, one service ace and 10 digs.
Jaida Felix tossed up 20 assists alongside eight digs and two service aces, while Elysia Glowacz added 15 assists and four digs. Libero Jaden Daffer led the team with 18 digs.
The Tigers posted a .161 attack percentage, while Washburn sealed the match with a .310 swing rate. Both teams were even on defense, with Washburn collecting one more block (8-7) and one more dig (51-50).
Fort Hays State will return to the court inside Gross Memorial Coliseum for its second match of a three-match weekend on Saturday when the Hornets of Emporia State come to town. First serve is set for 3 p.m.