The Kansas volleyball team knocked off in-state rival Kansas State in four sets Friday night in Manhattan, 25-22, 21-25, 25-23 and 25-14.
The victory moved KU to 15-11 overall and 7-8 in Big 12 play and could have huge implications in KU’s pursuit of a spot in the NCAA Tournament field.
KU and K-State were separated by just a few spots in this week’s RPI rankings, and both entered the weekend hoping to earn an at-large bid. This year’s tournament field will be announced at 7:30 p.m. Sunday on ESPNU.
KU’s victory on Friday was tightly contested through three sets, but the Jayhawks came up with several clutch plays to win Set 1 and Set 3 down the stretch. Coming out on top in Set 3, after the two teams were tied late at 21-all, gave the visitors a crucial dose of momentum, and Kansas steamrolled to victory in the fourth set.
The Jayhawks jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the fourth and never looked back.
KU’s attack featured three players with double-digit kills for the night. Freshman Caroline Bien led the way with 14, while senior Jenny Mosser chipped in 12 and sophomore Caroline Crawford added 11. Crawford also led KU’s defensive effort with six of the 18 KU blocks on the night.
Bien added 10 digs and hit .294 for the match. As a team, the Jayhawks hit .254 and held K-State to just .136. Freshman setter Camryn Turner paced the attack with 44 assists and 20 digs.
The two Sunflower State rivals will square off again at 6:30 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum.