Success hasn't come easy for the K-State volleyball team in recent weeks.
    Since Sept. 27, the No. 16 Wildcats (18-4, 8-3 Big 12 Conference) have won six of eight matches, but only one of those victories came in the form of a sweep.
    Two of those wins came after K-State's opponent extended the match to a fourth game, and the remaining three were extended to the maximum five games. Aside from a 3-0 win over Texas Tech on Oct. 18, the Wildcats haven't swept a match since Sept. 24 at Texas A&M.
    K-State will try to repeat their strong performance against the Aggies (10-11, 5-6 Big 12) when the two squads face off tonight in Ahearn Field House. Head coach Suzie Fritz, who earned her 165th career win at Baylor on Saturday, enters the match just three victories shy of the school's all-time record.
    As difficult as things have been for the Wildcats, they have been harder for Texas A&M. The Aggies have played a total of 11 extended matches this season, including five that were extended to five games. In all, Texas A&M has posted a 6-5 season record in matches longer than three games. K-State has an advantage, as the team has gone 10-3 in extended matches this year.
    The Aggies have been led this season by junior outside hitters Mary Batis and Sarah Ammerman. The scorers are averaging 3.4 and 3.03 kills per game, respectively. The Wildcats will counter with a pair of senior outside hitters — Rita Liliom and Nataly Korobkova — who are averaging 4.14 and 3.2 kills per game. Senior middle blocker Megan Farr has also been dependable, as she is  averaging 1.82 kills and 1.16 blocks per game while maintaining a .399 hitting percentage.
    Wednesday night's showdown will mark the 27th meeting between the two squads. K-State holds a slim 15-11 all-time series lead, but the numbers aren't nearly as balanced when it comes to matches in Manhattan. Since the inception of the Big 12 in 1996, K-State has gone 11-1 against the Aggies in Ahearn Field House.
    For fans who want to watch the match but cannot attend, action will be broadcast on FSN Kansas City. First serve is set for 7 p.m.