Kansas falls in straight sets to Sun Devils

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Kansas volleyball was unable to top Arizona State on Friday night, falling in straight sets to the Sun Devils inside Cox Pavillion.

After dropping the first set, the Jayhawks needed to respond in set two. KU was able to keep up with the Sun Devils in the set, tying it at 17-17. However, Arizona State clinched the set by recording five of the final six points to take a two-set advantage.

Down two sets, Kansas needed to find momentum to clinch the final three to secure a victory over the Sun Devils. Again the Jayhawks jumped out to an early lead, netting the first three points, but the Arizona State attack continued its efficient offense and pulled away late in the set. KU dropped the set and the match after the Sun Devils won the third set, 25-17.

Ashley Smith led the team with seven kills while Zoe Hill and Rachel Langs each finished with six kills. Senior Allie Nelson inched closer to 1,100 career digs, recording a team-high 10 in the contest.

NEXT UP

Kansas faces tournament-host UNLV on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. to close out the Rebel Challenge and non-conference play.