Monday, August 24, 2009
The Jayhawks cruised to a 3-0 victory in Saturday’s annual alumni exhibition game.
The first set started out evenly, but then the Jayhawks pulled away and led 16-7 in the middle of the set. The Jayhawks continued their attack to win the set 25-13.
In the second set Kansas led 6-1 early before the alumni started to catch up in the middle of the set. The Jayhawks regrouped and finished strong, winning the set 25-17.
Photo Gallery
Kansas Volleyball Alumni Game
A photo gallery of the annual Kansas Volleyball Alumni game Saturday evening.
The alumni came out with a renewed energy after losing the first two sets and tied the third set early on at 6-6. The Jayhawks then went on a strong run and scored 14 of the next 17 points and finished out the last set, winning 25-13.
The Jayhawks led the alumni in kills 37 to 24 and had 40 digs to the alumni’s 35. Junior outside hitter Karina Garlington led the Jayhawks with nine kills and junior defensive specialist Melissa Manda led the team with 10 digs.
“I thought for the first time out, I was really pleased what we got done,” Coach Ray Bechard said. “There were fewer communication issues, and fewer situations that didn’t run so smoothly. I thought it was a really good start.”
Bechard said that they still could have done better with first contact and serves received. He also said that the serving could be a little more aggressive even though it was pretty consistent for the night.
“We set three specific goals in relation to passing, hitting and serving, and we hit all three of those goals,” Bechard said. “We were excited to make those three things happen.”
Garlington, Denver junior, said it was a lot of fun playing with her former teammates. She also said that the Jayhawks had an advantage over the alumni because they knew the players very well.
“We’ve been working so hard and no one really sees what we do back here,” Garlington said. “It was nice to get in front of the people and get in our gym and show everyone what we’ve been doing. I think this year we are jelling so well as a team and I feel it in my bones that we’re are going to have such a great season. Everyone is on the same page, everyone is goal-oriented and we are just pushing it so hard. I think it’s going to be a great season.”
Emily Brown, who played for the alumni team and was the setter for the Jayhawks in 2004 to 2007, said that the Jayhawks looked good.
“They obviously beat us pretty handedly and meshed together pretty well,” said Brown, who has been playing professionally in France.
Brown said it was weird playing against some of her former teammates, but it was fun to play in the Horejsi Family Athletics Center again.
The Jayhawks open the regular season Friday against Middle Tennessee State at their tournament and will also play Xavier and Murray State Saturday at the same tournament.
— —Edited by Abbey Strusz
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