Ranked No. 12, Washburn volleyball hit the road this weekend, traveling to games at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and Fort Hays State.

The team took its second loss on Friday to No. 16 UNK.

“We all are using the loss to motivate us and better prepare for every team,” said junior libero, Alyssa Carney.

“We are always going to get everyone’s best shot and we have to be ready no matter who is on the other side,” Carney said.

The Ichabods were off to a rocky start, ultimately loosing the game (25-23, 25-19, 25-23).

Key players included Leanna Willer taking 13 kills and 13 digs. Taylor Selk had 11 kills herself with Sarah Vicory having eight, along with four blocks.

Washburn came back with a strong 3-1 win against FHSU on Saturday in Hays, Kansas.

After falling behind in the first set with a loss 14-25, Washburn would fire back in the second set with a kill from Selk resluting in a 6-1 run that would win the set 25-17.

With one win each, and up 14-11 in the third set, Willer put in two back-to-back kills to close the set with Washburns second win, 25-17.

The fourth and final set started with a 10-4 lead by Washburn. FHSU would fight back, taking the score to 18-16.

Selk hit one of seven kills to start a four point run, taking the score to 23-17.

With both teams on edge, Washburn was able to climb to the win, taking the game 25-19.

Liz Powell was named the Hyvee Student Athlete of the week. Powell averaged 11 assists per set with an overall total of 110.

From the past week, Powell had 26 digs, three block assists and four kills.

Washburn was also ranked 15th in the most recent American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Top 25 Poll.

The poll is based on statitics of each week’s contests. The next poll will be released Monday, Oct. 19.

Head coach Chris Herron discussed what he thought was the greatest strength of this season’s players.

“Our team transition has been really good this season. That is due to the fact that we have been able to play fairly good defense,” said Herron.

The Ichabods will stay at home for their next battle against the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats in Lee Arena. The game is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

“Northwest is the team in the MIAA that has made the most improvement from last year to this season. They will be an outstanding opponent,” said Herron.

Washburn will stay home for the following three games, with their second game of this coming weekend versus the Missouri Western State University Griffons on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 3 p.m.