Jayhawks Take Down Oklahoma, 3-1

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Senior Savannah Noyes recorded a season-high 17 kills, while sophomore Karina Garlington and freshman Nicole Tate chipped in double-doubles as Kansas volleyball defeated Oklahoma 3-1 here during the third annual Dig for the Cure match.

Kansas improves its Big 12 Conference record to 3-6 and moves to 9-9 overall. Oklahoma, meanwhile, drops to 8-11 overall and 4-7 in the league.

Noyes also swung at a season-high clip committing just two errors on 26 attempts for a .577 attack percentage.

Garlington matched Noyes with 17 kills to go along with 11 digs. Tate ran an efficient KU offense totaling 51 assists on the night, while digging up 12 balls.

Kansas showcased a balanced defense as two more Jayhawks had double-figure digs in sophomore Melissa Manda, who led with 16, and junior Katie Martincich, who trailed with 13.

After splitting the first two sets, the Jayhawks and Sooners battled back and forth in a close third set. With the teams knotted at 24-24, senior Natalie Uhart notched back-to-back blocks, one with the help of Martincich, to close out the set with a 26-24 win for Kansas.

In the fourth set, Oklahoma trailed by one at 23-22 but Noyes was too much for the Sooner defense as she smashed two straight kills en route to KU’s 25-22 victory.

“We’re extremely excited with the win,” said head coach Ray Bechard. “Oklahoma is a quality team, very aggressive. But we were able to make a lot of big plays, come on strong at the end of sets and extend some rallies tonight.”

Kansas next travels to Baylor Wednesday, Oct. 22 for a 7 p.m. contest.