Kansas Volleyball Cruises Past UMKC in Three Sets

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Sophomore Nicole Tate recorded her second consecutive double-double, and ninth of the season to help the University of Kansas volleyball team defeat the UMKC Kangaroos Tuesday in a non-conference match. The Jayhawks won in three consecutive sets with scores of 25-14, 25-16 and 25-21 in KU volleyball’s “Jayhawks For a Cure” match, which collected donations for Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KU Cancer Center.

Kansas improved to 12-9 overall with the win, while UMKC dropped to 10-13.

Tate ended the night with 13 digs, 39 assists and four kills. Senior Melissa Grieb joined Tate in double figures with a season-high 18 digs in her first match playing libero this season. Freshman Morgan Boub also had a successful night on defense recording a career-best five digs.

The KU defense held UMKC to a .140 attack percentage as no Kangaroo recorded more than seven kills. It is the third time in the last four matches Kansas has held its opponent under the .200 mark.

The Jayhawks came out strong in the opening set recording a .405 attack percentage. KU trailed 5-4 until sophomore Allison Mayfield jumpstarted a 5-0 run scoring four of the five points. The Jayhawks never trailed for the remainder of the set.

Mayfield finished the contest with a team-high 12 kills. The 6-1 outside hitter has led the team on offense in three of the last four outings. She collected her 12 tallies on a .333 attack percentage, while junior Karina Garlington contributed 10 kills off a team-high .429 hitting percentage.

As a team, Kansas hit .367 for the match. It was the Jayhawks’ best attack percentage in 12 outings.

Kansas never trailed during the second set, leading by as many as nine points and finishing the set with a match-high .484 attack percentage.

Set three was a little more difficult for the Jayhawks as the lead changed six times. Eventually, trailing 18-17, Kansas score five unanswered points to take a 22-18 advantage. Freshman Tayler Tolefree helped KU close out the match scoring two of the final three points. She finished with five kills on the night.

The Jayhawks will wrap up a three- match homestand Saturday vs. #25 Texas A&M in Horejsi Center. Match time is set for 6:30 p.m.