Volleyball Prepares To Host Colorado Wednesday

Nov. 3, 2008

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Game Notes

Kansas volleyball returns home to face Colorado on Wednesday, Nov. 5, its first meeting with the Buffaloes since opening Big 12 Conference play on Sept. 17. The Jayhawks (10-12, 4-9 Big 12) and Buffaloes (12-9, 6-6 Big 12) are scheduled to play at 7 p.m. at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

Wednesday’s contest is middle school night. All students in middle school can get into the match for just $3. In addition, Kansas volleyball players will be available to sign autographs after the match.

Free live stats for the contest are available on the Kansas Athletics website at www.kuathletics.com. In addition, fans can access live video streaming on the website for a subscription fee.

About Kansas

Kansas (10-12, 4-9 Big 12) has dropped three of its last four contests, including a four-set loss at Kansas State last weekend, but has been victorious in its last two home conference matches (Oklahoma and Missouri). KU’s Karina Garlington, a sophomore outside hitter, is sixth in the conference with 3.47 kps during Big 12 play. Senior Savannah Noyes has been the team’s most accurate attacker with the league’s fifth-best hitting efficiency of .332. Running the offense is freshman setter Nicole Tate, who is also fifth in the Big 12 averaging 9.76 aps. On defense, senior Natalie Uhart is blocking 0.82 blocks per set, while sophomore libero Melissa Manda holds down the backcourt with 3.15 dps.

Head coach Ray Bechard is in his 11th season as head coach of the Jayhawks with a 171-156 overall record.

Scouting Colorado

Prior to its bye weekend last Saturday, Colorado picked up a huge 3-1 upset over then-No. 2 Nebraska last Wednesday, its second time in three years handing the Huskers their first loss of the season. Since the win, the Buffs moved into fifth place in the league standings with a 6-6 mark (12-9 overall) and received seven votes in this week’s Bison/AVCA Coaches Poll. Five of CU’s six Big 12 losses have ocurred on the road this year. Three players contribute over two kills per set in league play led by junior Emilee Sisco with 2.79. Senior Alex Buth trails with 2.76 kps. On defense, junior Callie Webster is digging up the conference’s seventh-best mark of 3.97 balls per set. Sophomore Schylur Edelman is blocking 1.00 balls per set, also seventh in Big 12 matches.

Colorado is coached by Pi’i Aiu, who is 198-147 in his 12th year as head coach of the Buffaloes.

Series History

Colorado, who won the last meeting earlier this season in both teams’ conference opener, leads the all-time series with Kansas 34-11, including a 14-8 advantage in Lawrence. The teams are 6-6 during the Big 12 era in matches played in Lawrence. Nine of KU’s 11 victories over CU have come under head coach Ray Bechard.

Game Tickets

Fans can purchase season and single-game tickets to KU home matches by phone at 800-34-HAWKS, online at KUAthletics.com or at the doors of the Horejsi Center prior to match time.

Up Next

The Jayhawks will remain at home through the weekend as they host Texas Tech Saturday, Nov. 8 in a 7 p.m. match at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

Upcoming Promotions

Wednesday, Nov. 5 is middle school night at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center. All middle school students can get into the Kansas vs. Colorado match for just $3. In addition, KU volleyball players will be available to sign autographs after the contest.