Head volleyball coach Chris Herron secured his 300th school win Tuesday night with a 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-23) victory at Fort Hays State University, increasing the team’s season record to 21-1, 8-0 in the MIAA.

The win was the 13th straight win for the Blues and the 17th straight in the MIAA. Junior outside hitter Hillary Hughes led the Blues in kills with 13, while sophomore setter Abby Whitman added 21 assists and 13 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Kelsey Lewis added 17 digs, and the team had 70 collectively. Herron said he was concentrating too much on having another successful season to worry about milestones at the moment.

“I wouldn’t have even known if you hadn’t told me,” said Herron. “We just play one game at a time and focus on that.”

Prior to Tuesday nights game, the No. 5 Lady Blues had a Saturday home game Oct. 15 against the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

On a day that promised plenty of friend and family support, the Washburn Lady Blues were set to take on the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Since the football team had already dominated earlier in the day, it was up to the volleyball to get the sweep for Washburn’s Family Day.

However, this big event did not seem to interrupt the focus of the importance for the girls to play well. In fact, it had very little influence on Herron’s preparation if any.

“We prepare the same way, whether it’s a big event or another ordinary game,” said Herron. “It doesn’t impact us at all.”

The Lady Blues came out a little rocky, giving up the first set by a score of 21-25. During the set Washburn was unable to get control of the momentum due in part to the six errors in the first set.

It was not until the second set that the Lady Blues got things rolling. The Mavericks pushed the Lady Blues all the way to the end of the second set, but Washburn prevailed in an extra-point game 27-25. Brianna Lewis, senior right side hitter, led Washburn with four kills during the set.

During the third set in what was a closely contested game, UNO would lose momentum as their head coach, Rose Shires, became ill and had to leave the match due to an asthma attack. Using the seeming deflation of their opponents, Washburn got on a roll jumping out to a 19-7 lead en route to a 25-11 set win.

Washburn took the fourth set much the way they did the third set, building off their momentum and striking the disconcerted Mavericks. Led by Mollie Lacy, senior middle hitter/right side hitter with two kills in the set on the way to a 25-17 win.

“We had several girls step up and play well,” said Herron. “Our middle hitters, senior Mollie Lacy and junior Jessica Fey, really had great nights.”

Herron also noted that freshman Korie Thompson came off the bench to have a good night.

The Lady Blues were paced in kills by Lacy and Fey with 14 and 12, respectively. Sophomore setter Abby Wittman led in assists with 40, while Lewis topped the team in digs with a career high 25.

Washburn’s next contest is the Pink Out match Friday at 7 p.m. in Lee Arena.