Before conference play began for the Wildcat volleyball team, head coach Suzie Fritz had a major concern: the team’s lack of ability to string together success.
    “I told [the girls] that they weren’t even close to meeting their capabilities as a team,” Fritz said after K-State’s home opener against California State Bakersfield. “I thought we were too inconsistent. We’re much too veteran for that.”
    Since then, the No. 17 Wildcats (12-2, 2-1 Big 12 Conference) have seemingly fallen into a groove. They are 2-1 in conference play, including sweeps against Colorado and Texas A&M in their last two matches. Fritz said she’s pleased with the Wildcats’ consistent improvement, and they will need to continue to get better.
    “As a coach, you certainly like the fact that you feel like your team’s improving,” Fritz said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s starting to get into October. We now have to start to see another level of play in Big 12 competition night in and night out. We’re really happy with the progress.”
    K-State will look to build on its recent success when the team takes on Baylor (11-3, 3-0 Big 12) this weekend. The Bears will bring a three-match winning streak into Manhattan, as they haven’t lost since falling 0-3 to then No. 12 Oregon on Sept. 13.
    Baylor has been paced by junior outside hitter Katie Sanders and junior middle blocker Anna Breyfogle, who are averaging 3.82 and 2.7 kills per game, respectively. Senior outside hitter Rita Liliom has led the charge for the Wildcats this season, averaging 4.34 kills per game, including 16 on Wednesday night at Texas A&M. She has tallied double-digit kills in every match this season.
    Saturday night’s match will mark the 26th meeting between the Bears and Wildcats. K-State leads the all-times series at 19-6, including an 11-2 mark in Manhattan. The match, part of K-State’s Wildcat Weekend — which also includes the Saturday afternoon football game — is set to begin at 7 p.m. in Ahearn Field House. Fans who present a football ticket at the door will be admitted for $2. Students who present their Wildcat ID will receive free admission.