HAYS, Kan. — The Northwest Missouri State University volleyball team saw its season come to end as the Fort Hays State University Tigers recorded a four-set win at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

The Tigers won by set scores of 14-25, 25-16, 25-20 and 25-21. Northwest completes its season at 9-16 overall and 3-13 in MIAA play. 

Northwest Missouri State opened the first set with a strong run, capitalizing on the Tigers' early attack errors to establish a 4-0 lead. Ella Caffery's kill, assisted by Kasidy Mohwinkle, extended the advantage before FHSU responded with a series of points to level the score at 4-4, following three consecutive service aces by Annie Eaton.

Northwest Missouri State regained momentum with a block by Natalie Herrington and Mohwinkle, along with a series of kills from Mohwinkle and Gabrielle Gartner, pushing the lead to 11-7. The visitors continued their effective plays, with Caffery and Kate Frakes contributing significant kills and blocks to widen the gap to 19-11.

The set concluded with Northwest Missouri State maintaining control, as Herrington's kill and a block by Herrington and Gartner sealed the first set at 25-14.

The second set began with the Tigers establishing a solid lead early, despite efforts from Northwest Missouri State to counter. Maja Noehrer delivered a kill after an attack error, but FHSU pulled ahead to a 9-3 advantage with strong offensive plays, including multiple kills by Ella Goodwin.

Northwest Missouri State showed resilience as Gartner and Frakes executed key kills, narrowing the gap to 10-8. However, the Tigers regained momentum with a series of successful attacks, stretching their lead to 17-9.

In the final stretch, Northwest Missouri State attempted a late rally, highlighted by kills from Mohwinkle and Elle Heckenlively, but FHSU secured the set 25-16 with a final kill from Goodwin.

Northwest Missouri State began the third set with a strong start, highlighted by Caffery's opening kill, quickly followed by a kill from Noehrer. The team established an early lead, advancing to a 2-0 advantage. They maintained momentum with notable plays from Herrington and Noehrer, contributing to a 5-3 lead.

The Tigers responded with a series of successful plays, cutting into the lead and ultimately leveling the score at 12-12. Despite a run from the Tigers, Northwest Missouri State regained control momentarily, driven by kills from Gartner and a service ace by Mohwinkle, pushing the score to 16-12.

As the set progressed, the Tigers mounted a comeback, capitalizing on a series of errors by Northwest Missouri State to take the lead. Despite efforts from Caffery and Mohwinkle to narrow the gap, FHSU closed the set with a 25-20 victory.

In the fourth set, Northwest Missouri State rallied from an early deficit with key contributions from Gartner and Mohwinkle. After trailing 7-3, the team closed the gap to tie the score at 7-7, thanks to a series of kills by Mohwinkle and Caffery. The teams exchanged points to a 12-12 tie before Northwest Missouri State briefly took the lead at 13-12 following a successful block by Herrington and Gartner.

Despite strong efforts from Noehrer and multiple assists from Caffery, the Tigers regained momentum. Late in the set, the Tigers capitalized on a service ace and timely kills to extend their lead. Although Northwest Missouri State stayed close, the set concluded with FHSU securing a 25-21 victory.

Kasidy Mohwinkle led the team with 14 kills and added a team-high 20 digs, contributing significantly to the defensive effort. Ella Caffery facilitated the offense with 37 assists and added 15 digs on defense. Karsen VanScoy recorded 24 digs, anchoring the back row. Natalie Herrington made her presence felt at the net with seven total blocks.