Kansas Volleyball Downs Colorado In Three Sets

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Sophomore Karina Garlington notched her fifth 20-kill performance of the season in the Jayhawks’ first three-set victory at home in conference play. Kansas defeated the Colorado Buffaloes 25-13, 30-28, 25-17 to extend a three-match home win streak.

Kansas, who hit its second-best attack percentage of the season with a .308 clip, improves to 11-12 overall and 5-9 in the Big 12. CU, who was coming off a victory over then-No. 2 Nebraska, drops to 12-10 and 6-7 in league action.

KU took the first set on the strength of a team attack percentage of .400 and five kills by Garlington. Junior Melissa Grieb served for six straight points, including a service ace, and seniors Savannah Noyes and Natalie Uhart teamed up to provide two big blocks as the Jayhawks won 25-13.

Kansas needed extra points to beat the Buffs in the second set, taking the win 30-28 after 15 tied scores. Garlington led the Jayhawks again, adding seven more kills, while sophomore Jenna Kaiser added six.

Colorado kept the third set close until Kansas took the lead at 16-15 and went on to score nine of the next 11 points, including the last six, to win the match 25-17. Garlington tallied another seven kills on her way to a .372 hitting percentage on the night.

Junior Katie Martincich led a balanced Jayhawk defense with 13 digs, while freshman Nicole Tate earned her ninth double-double of the season with 40 assists and 12 digs. Sophomore Melissa Manda and Grieb chipped in with 12 and 10 digs, respectively.

The Jayhawks take the court again Saturday, Nov. 8, when they take on Texas Tech at 7 p.m. in the Horejsi Family Athletic Center.