K-State to face tough opponent

The Big 12 Conference schedule is starting to ramp up for K-State volleyball, and Saturday's match will be among those at the apex of the proverbial mountain.

K-State (9-8, 3-3 Big 12 Conference) will cap a long stretch of home appearances against No. 11 University of Texas (9-5, 4-2).

Last season, the Longhorns were ranked second in the nation for the entire year, right behind the formerly invincible Penn State, who beat them in the final match of the NCAA Tournament. However, they have been slipping in the polls this season. The Longhorns went on a stretch of wins to kick off the season, but a non-conference match against Illinois changed that; with its first win in the books, Texas began to lose again and again. It should be noted that it has only lost to teams ranked above itself, with the sole exception of Texas A&M, which slaughtered the Longhorns in College Station, contrary to the nation's expectations.

Texas has fared well against K-State in the past. In the 30 matches that have taken place since before most students were born, it has won almost three quarters of them, including a non-stop series of victories since late 2003. Last season, Texas swept K-State in both meetings.

The Longhorns undoubtedly have some built players on their side. Junior middle blocker Rachael Adams has an average of 2.84 kills per game, which is lower than some of the greats, but her .427 hitting percentage is better than what some players can hit on a big night. The team's star hitter, senior outside hitter Juliann Faucette, has an average 3.08 kills per game with a .210 hitting percentage.

Faucette, however, is overshadowed by K-State's senior outside hitter JuliAnne Chisholm, whose recorded 3.38 kills per game will make her dangerous to the visiting team.

With Texas' loss of their star player, Destinee Hooker, from last year, it will be interesting to see their new dynamic. After K-State's big loss to Oklahoma last Wednesday, the odds are decreasing for the Wildcats, but a top effort from the team in purple could be enough to knock off this top-ranked team.

First serve is set for 7 p.m. in Ahearn Field House. Fans not able to attend can listen to the match on 1350 KMAN.