Fort Hays State begins a three-match road trip with MIAA tests against No. 23 Central Oklahoma on Friday and Newman on Saturday. The 16-9 Tigers are looking to build momentum after beating No. 15 Washburn last week; Central Oklahoma is 17-5, while Newman is 6-16.

By the Numbers
  • Fort Hays State: 16-9 overall, 3-5 in MIAA play.
  • Central Oklahoma: 17-5 overall, 4-2 in MIAA play; 8-0 at home and riding a seven-match win streak.
  • Newman: 6-16 overall, 1-5 in MIAA play.
  • FHSU leads the MIAA with 14.12 kills and 13.22 assists per set.
Yes, But

The Tigers have shown they can compete with ranked teams, taking at least one set in all but two of seven matches against nationally ranked opponents and defeating No. 15 Washburn. But Central Oklahoma has won 16 straight meetings with FHSU and has yet to lose at home this season.

State of Play
  • Friday: FHSU visits No. 23 Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma, at 6 p.m.
  • Saturday: The Tigers face Newman in Wichita, Kansas, at 3 p.m.
  • FHSU setter Annie Eaton has 1,080 career assists, including 795 this season.
What's Next

After this weekend, FHSU continues its road stretch with a matchup at No. 6 Nebraska-Kearney on Oct. 30.

Bottom Line

FHSU’s strong offense gives it a chance to make a statement, but Friday’s matchup against an unbeaten-at-home, red-hot Central Oklahoma team is the weekend’s biggest challenge.