Garlington Posts 20 Kills in KU Volleyball's 3-1 Win Against Lipscomb

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Junior Karina Garlington led the Kansas volleyball team with a season-high 20 kills in KU’s 3-1 victory over Lipscomb during the Jayhawk Invitational. The Jayhawks play later this evening against the FIU Panthers at 7 p.m.

KU, which improved to 3-1 on the season, continued its perfection in home openers with its win over the Lady Bison (2-2) by scores of 20-25, 25-14, 25-23 and 25-22. The Jayhawks have not lost a home opener since 1993.

Garlington’s 20-kill outing marked her seventh career match of 20-plus kills. Joining her in double digits was sophomore Allison Mayfield who had 14 kills along with eight digs.

On the defensive side, junior libero Melissa Manda led the team in digs with 17 and Katie Martincich recorded 11. The Jayhawks also had a total of 11 team blocks, including a season-high 18 block assists.

In set one, the Jayhawks never led but battled back to come within two at 22-20 only to lose the next three straight points for the 25-20 loss.

The second set was an improvement for the Jayhawks as they took the lead early. The Jayhawks went on an 8-0 run in the middle of the contest and won 25-14. Lispcomb swung a .000 attack percentage, while the Jayhawks recorded a match-high .345 hitting efficiency.

In set three, the Jayhawks took over a lead at 15-14. The Lady Bison were stayed within one to two points for the remainder of the set, but KU held on for the 25-23 win. Mayfield led the team with six kills in the set.

The last set proved to be a battle as well with a 25-23 win for the Jayhawks. Garlington posted four kills and freshman Tayler Tolefree recorded her first collegiate solo block.