Kansas drops UCF Challenge finale

ORLANDO, Fla. – Kansas volleyball fell in straight sets to tournament-host UCF on Sunday inside The Venue at UCF to close out the UCF Challenge.

The Jayhawks were within striking distance in the second set, coming from behind to get within one point as the Knights held a 22-21 advantage. However, UCF was able to finish the set strong by rallying off three-straight points to take a two-set lead in the match.

In the third set against the Knights, Kansas held the lead through the first nine points but UCF continued its strong showing on offense to take back the lead. The Jayhawks narrowed the Knight lead to 15-13, but that was as close as KU was able to keep it. UCF rattled off seven-consecutive points to take the set and the match.

KU was led by freshman Rachel Hickman who had a team-high eight kills and finished second on the team with eight digs. Senior Allie Nelson led the defensive effort for the Jayhawks with spectacular plays to give the Jayhawks a chance against the potent UCF attack and finished as the team leader with 10 digs.

UP NEXT

Kansas hosts its home opener Thursday, Sept. 12 against Morehead State in the Jayhawks’ new arena, the Horejsi Family Volleyball Arena, to start the Kansas Invitational.  KU welcomes Morehead State, Arizona and Syracuse for the four-day tournament in HFVA.

Stat leaders through set two

KILLS | Rachel Hickman with six

DIGS | Rachel Hickman with seven

ASSISTS |Sara Nielsen with 15

Stat leaders through set one

KILLS | Rachel Hickman with four

DIGS | Lacey Angello and Allie Nelson with four

ASSISTS |Sara Nielsen with nine