September 26, 2026 - #17 Emporia State volleyball got back to winning ways, defeating Fort Hays State in four sets on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Emporia State claimed a 3-2 lead over the Tigers to open set one, and never trailed for the remainder of the first frame. Later in the set, Emporia State built as much as a five-point lead, but Fort Hays State forced a timeout by the Hornets as the gap closed to 22-20 and eventually 23-22, but the Hornets closed it out 25-22 to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
Set two saw the Tigers jump ahead 11-6 in the first half of the frame, as the Hornets called a timeout. Following the break, Emporia State responded with nine of the next ten points to lead 15-12. Despite the Hornets, entering the last stretch leading 20-16, Fort Hays State climbed all the way back to tie the set at 23-23 and force the Hornets into their second timeout. After the break, an ESU error put the Tigers in front and at set point, but the Hornets responded with three straight kills by Jade Xu, Piper Bahr and Ryann Hamilton to take the set 26-24 and build a 2-0 lead.
In the third, the Hornets and Tigers went back-and-forth early, but eventually the hosts gained control, building a 23-16 lead over the Hornets. Emporia State threatened a comeback, scoring four straight points to pull within three, but Fort Hays State stifled the attempt and took the third 25-21.
Emporia State responded in the fourth to seal the match. With the score tied 5-5, the Hornets began pulling away on their way to a 25-16 set four win, taking the match 3-1.
A LOOK AT THE STATS
The Hornets hit .261 in the match and held the Tigers to .193 at the net. Lavra Krizanic led all players with 17 kills and was joined in double-digits by Piper Bahr who had 14 on .250 hitting. Brailee Bogle had 34 assists and Delainee Dexter added 21. Bogle, Krizanic and Miyu Tsurumaki all had 18 digs each on the defensive side, while Brooklynn Weaver and Mia Frisbie had six and five blocks respectively.
UP NEXT
Emporia State will play their first home match of the season on
