Volleyball team pushes for NCAA tournament

Friday, November 13, 2009

With just five games left in the season, there is a sense of urgency with the Kansas volleyball team in reaching one of its highest goals: making the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.

In 2005 Kansas made the tournament with a 15-15 (7-13) record with only one victory against a ranked opponent. Kansas could post a similar record this season with a victory against Texas Tech, and one or two victories against upcoming ranked teams.

Photo by Adam Buhler

Sophomore outside hitter Lauren Hagan keeps her eye on the ball after spiking it past a Kansas State blocker. Kansas defeated Kansas State 3-0 Wednesday night at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

It won’t be an easy task for Kansas since four of its five final matches are against ranked opponents. The first match of the final gauntlet takes place 11 a.m. Saturday at the Horejsi Family Athletic Center when Kansas faces Baylor.

“This is a game we really need, and we need to go out and give Baylor our all,” sophomore setter Nicole Tate said.

Kansas’ road ahead is going to be hard, but Kansas is going to work hard and hopefully get some good scouts on the teams, sophomore outside hitter Allison Mayfield.

“We got to pull out a couple more games somewhere,” Mayfield said. “Baylor is one we have a shot in, so we have to come out ready for practice for the rest of the week.”

Baylor is coming in with a 21-6 (10-6) record and is currently fourth in the Big 12 Conference. Kansas is 14-11 (6-9) but is coming off a major victory Wednesday as Kansas swept Kansas State for the season.

Coach Ray Bechard said he hopes Kansas uses the victory over Kansas State for momentum for Baylor and Kansas’ future matches.

In the first match of the season, Baylor swept Kansas 3-0. Kansas had 20 errors for the match, and not a single player hit over .300, but Kansas was without one of its highest offensive producers, junior outside hitter Karina Garlington.

— Edited by Abbey Strusz

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