Prior to Kansas University volleyball’s Crimson and Blue alumni match Saturday, the Jayhawks ran over to the west wall of the Horejsi Family Athletics Center to unveil the 2013 NCAA Sweet 16 banner.
Freshman Madison Rigdon led the Kansas University offense with a team-high 18 kills and 11 digs. She kicked off an 8-0 scoring rally for the Crimson squad from the serving line in the third set to ultimately help Crimson claim the win, 3-1.
“Madison played well today, but I thought a lot of them played pretty well,” KU coach Ray Bechard said. “We saw some things we liked and some things we know we need to work on – but that’s what this day is for. With this many young players, it’s important that they get out here in front of fans and be in live-game situations. Overall, we’re excited to be back out here and thank you to the fans that came out. We will get to work getting ready for the real home opener next weekend.”
Senior Chelsea Albers had 14 kills, while senior Sara McClinton added 10. Junior Tiana Dockery had 10 kills and 14 digs.
The Crimson squad won the match, 25-20, 28-30, 25-18.
Freshman Kayla Cheadle led the defense with seven blocks, while sophomores Tayler Soucie and Janae Hall collected three blocks apiece. Freshman setter Ainise Havili also had 43 assists and 14 digs in her first outing. Opposite her, sophomore Maggie Anderson recorded 30 assists and 11 digs.
In the back row, all four defensive specialists spent time in the libero jersey. Sophomore Cassie Wait and freshman Claire Carpenter tied for the team lead with 18 digs. Freshmen Addison Barry and Tori Miller dug 16 and 14 balls, respectively.
KU opens the season Friday when the Jayhawks host the Kansas Invitational. KU will play Utah Valley to start the 2014 season at 11:30 a.m.
