The Northwest Missouri State volleyball team fell to the Fort Hays State Tigers on Saturday in Hays, Kan., 3-1. Northwest falls to 6-7 overall and is now 2-2 in MIAA play. Fort Hays State is now 1-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play.

Northwest dropped a tough fought first set, 30-28. Both teams held early leads before reaching a 15-15 tie. After that, neither team was able to extend a lead past two points. In the second set, the Bearcats jumped out to a 9-5 lead but the Tigers responded by taking 16 of the next 21 points to go on to win, 25-20.

After reaching a 22-22 tie in the third set, sophomore Shelby Duren recorded two quick kills and junior Abby Graves scored the final point as Northwest took the set 25-23. In the fourth set, the Bearcats were unable to withstand an early run and dropped the set, 25-17.

Senior Bridget Hanafin recorded 40 assists, seven digs, six kills and three blocks. Duren put together a solid match, recording 21 digs, 10 kills, a block and a service ace. Graves had a team-best 14 kills to go along with four digs and three blocks. Classmate Brooke Bartosh had 13 kills. Defensively, junior Bailey Vance had 17 digs and three assists. Senior Mackie Keller had six blocks to go along with seven kills.

Northwest will continue MIAA play next Friday when the Bearcats head to Bolivar, Mo., for a 7 p.m. match against Southwest Baptist on Oct. 4.

— Northwest Sports Information —