The Kansas volleyball team swept Kansas State 3-0 in from of a sellout crowd on Wednesday. The sweep marked the first time Kansas swept Kansas State for the season since 1993. It was also the first time the Jayhawks beat the Wildcats in just six sets for the season.

Kansas has now earned bragging rights until next season, coach Ray Bechard said.

“I told the players it wasn’t about the two hours tonight. It’s about the next eight months,” Bechard said. “It’s pretty important because we are familiar with a lot of players on their team.”

Nine of 15 players are from Kansas, and the season sweep could also help affect future recruitment, Bechard said.

Kansas wanted to play extra hard for this match because Kansas State is a rival, sophomore setter Nicole Tate said.

“We were very determined. The whole team was ready to go,” Tate said. “The girls that are from Kansas on the team really want this game more than anything.”

Bechard said he was impressed with how Kansas played, and that the Jayhawks had a lot of players that made big plays.

“It looked like tonight we were the aggressor, and we had them on their heels a lot,” Bechard said.

Sophomore outside hitter Allison Mayfield led Kansas with 16 kills while junior outside hitter Karina Garlington was right behind her with 13 kills. Senior libero Melissa Grieb led Kansas with 10 digs.

Kansas got some confidence going into the match after defeating Kansas State in Manhattan, Mayfield said.

“We know we have to win games and felt like this was a big opportunity,” Tate said. “Everyone came together, and everyone played awesome.”

Kansas built a 10-4 lead early in the first set and held a healthy lead for most of the set. Kansas State pushed late, but Kansas held on, winning the set 25-19.

Kansas again came out strong in the second set, building a 6-2 lead very early. Kansas State quickly tied the set at 11-11, and then both teams traded points until Kansas finally pulled away late in the set 25-19.

Kansas started the third set with back to back aces on its way to a quick 6-2 lead. Kansas State fought back and tied the set at 11-11 and took its first lead of the match at 13-12. Both teams traded points until the set was tied up at 19-19. Kansas then scored three in a row to help top Kansas State 25-23.

Kansas improved to 14-11 (6-9) on the season, which surpassed the number of victories Kansas has had in its last three seasons. Kansas State has continued to struggle and falls to 10-15 (4-11) for the season.

Four of the Jayhawks’ final five games are against ranked teams, and the victory against Kansas State could help give Kansas some momentum for those final matches, Bechard said.

“It’s a good win to put us in a position Saturday,” Bechard said.

— Edited by Tim Burgess