HAYS, Kan. — Midwestern State (3-2, 0-0 Lone Star) faced two tough opponents in the Tiger Classic at Gross Memorial Coliseum, falling to Augustana (SD) (6-2, 0-0 NSIC) in a five-set match and later losing to Fort Hays State (7-1, 0-0 Mid-America Intercollegiate) 3-1.
In the match against Augustana, the Mustangs overcame an early deficit thanks to crucial kills from
Jaiden Wright and
Isabella Dickens, with
Alayna Guerrero facilitating multiple assists. In a tense finish,
Arrianna Fields' decisive kill secured the set 25-23, as the Mustangs capitalized on key moments.
The second set saw the Maroon & Gold start strong, but after a competitive exchange, the Vikings took the set 25-21, aided by effective setting from Kiylah Franke. The third set featured MSU setting the pace, but Augustana responded with a 5-0 run to close it out at 25-20. MSU rebounded in the fourth set, as Vinzant and Guerrero led the charge, allowing the Mustangs to secure a decisive 25-18 victory.
In the final set, a back-and-forth battle ensued, but the Vikings edged out a narrow 15-13 victory despite strong performances from Fields and Wright. Vinzant led the Mustangs with five service aces and 18 digs, contributing 19.5 points overall. Fields recorded 16 kills, finishing with 17 points, while Guerrero directed the offense with a career-high 57 assists and added 20 digs.
In their second match against Fort Hays State, the Mustangs demonstrated resilience but ultimately fell short in a closely contested first set, losing 25-23. The set featured a strong offensive start for MSU, with
Trinity Vinzant and
Isabella Dickens each contributing multiple kills, but despite rallying back from a 20-15 deficit, the Tigers won the set.
The second set began with Fort Hays State taking an early lead, but the Maroon & Gold quickly responded, including a service ace by Vinzant. Despite attempts to close the gap, Fort Hays State edged out the set 25-22. MSU overcame a challenging start in the third set, rallying from an 8-4 deficit and securing a narrow 25-23 victory thanks to timely plays from Guerrero and Vinzant.
The fourth set saw the Mustangs fight back after an early lead by Fort Hays State, but despite leveling the score at 23-23, the Tigers secured the set 26-24. Vinzant recorded 17 digs and contributed 17.5 points, while Dickens led with 18 points and 16 kills. Wright added five total blocks and 12 kills, finishing with 15 points, and Guerrero facilitated the offense with 51 assists and 12 digs.
Midwestern State faces Bethel College in Newton, Kansas on Saturday afternoon. First serve is scheduled for 2 p.m.
