MARYVILLE, Mo. — The Fort Hays State University Tigers produced a 3-0 sweep of the Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team in the Bearcat home opener.

The visiting Tigers won 25-17, 27-25, 26-24. Northwest dropped to 6-6 overall and 0-3 in MIAA play. FHSU improved to 13-2 overall and 2-1 in league action.

Northwest began set one with momentum, securing the first four points through a series of kills by Kasidy Mohwinkle, assisted by Ella Caffery. This strong start was momentarily challenged as the Tigers narrowed the gap, leveraging a combination of attack errors and well-timed kills to tie the score at 6-6.

Northwest regained the lead at 9-7 with a kill by Abby Bulthuis and a Fort Hays setting error. However, the Tigers responded with a significant run, capitalizing on several attack errors and blocks to take a decisive lead. Despite late kills from Mohwinkle and Kate Frakes, Northwest closed the set trailing 25-17.

In Set 2, Northwest opened with a strong start as Natalie Herrington delivered a kill assisted by Caffery, and Caffery followed with a service ace to give the team an early lead. However, the Tigers responded quickly, taking advantage of consecutive attack errors by Northwest to pull ahead. The teams traded points closely, with Mohwinkle and Bulthuis each securing kills to keep the set balanced.

Northwest regained momentum midway through the set, with Mohwinkle and Herrington executing critical blocks, and Mohwinkle adding another kill to edge ahead. Despite a resilient effort with key plays from Jada Smith and Bulthuis, the Tigers capitalized on late attack errors from Northwest to close the set. The period concluded with the Tigers narrowly taking the set 27-25, despite a competitive performance from Northwest.

Northwest opened set three with a series of impactful plays, including a kill from Elle Heckenlively and a well-placed attack by Bulthuis, both assisted by Caffery, which set the tone early. However, the Tigers capitalized on a few errors to shift momentum, building a slim lead.

Midway through the set, Northwest narrowed the gap with key contributions from Herrington and Heckenlively. Despite efforts to regain control, with Bulthuis and Mohwinkle consistently finding success on attacks, the Tigers maintained their edge.

As the set approached its conclusion, Northwest rallied late, tying the score at 23-23 with consecutive plays by Bulthuis. However, the Tigers managed to secure the final points, ending the set at 26-24, narrowly outpacing the home team.

Mohwinkle led the team with 14 kills, contributing 15 points overall. Caffery recorded 33 assists and added 13 digs in the match. Karsen VanScoy posted a team-high 15 digs, continuing her streak by posting 10 or more digs in all 12 matches this season, while Herrington contributed with four block assists and five kills.

Looking ahead, Northwest will host Nebraska-Kearney in Maryville, Mo., on October 4. The match is set for 3 p.m.