HAYS, KS. – Volleyball began their last road stretch on Thursday night, taking on the Fort Hays State Tigers. The Tigers had come out on top in the previous match last month, winning with a 3-0 sweep on Newman's home floor.
 
The Jets did not get off on the right foot in the first set, as the Tigers would score the first eight points of the set.
 
This did not deter Newman, as they would play every point with extreme intensity to get in close touching distance to the lead. Ozioma Ajekwu and Hannah Brisco had several big blocks during the set, and would continue their scoring tandem throughout the rest of the match.
 
Natalie Meyer would have an impressive set, having a team high six kills. The Jets were able to get within two of the lead at one point, but the Tigers were able to escape a close set, winning 25-21.
 
The second set would be tighter than the first. Ajekwu, Brisco, and Meyer continued to put up major numbers for Newman, keeping the Jets in the lead for a good portion of the set. A late 20-19 lead looked promising for the Jets, but again would fall 25-21 despite keeping up the pace with the Tigers.
 
The Jets had their largest lead of the night in the third set, leading by as many as four. The Tigers would retake the lead, but not before Newman reclaimed it. It was back and forth until the very end. The Jets were put into a match point situation following an attacking error by the Tigers. However, the Tigers scored the next three points to go up 25-24, meaning one of the teams would have to win by two points. The Tigers would be the first to do so, getting another close set victory with a score of 26-24.
 
Meyer finished the night with eight kills, while Brisco and Ajekwu both had 3.5 blocks apiece.
 
The Jets will head to #10 Nebraska-Kearney on Saturday, in what will be Newman's final road game of the season. The last four games of the season will be held in Fugate, beginning with Missouri Southern on November 2nd.