Kansas State volleyball played an impressive match against the visiting Sharks in a quick 3-0 sweep.
The Wildcats had a bumpy start to the first set of the match. Long Island fought hard at the net with several blocks that put the team in the lead. K-State came back with the help of outside hitter Aliyah Carter and middle blocker Kadye Fernholz. With a kill from setter Izzi Szulczewski and an ace from Carter, the Wildcats won the first set.
Szulczewski started the second set strong with two aces that raised the score to 5-0. K-State maintained a six-point streak in the set, the highest of the night. Blocks from Fernholz and middle blocker Sydney Bolding were essential to the Wildcats’ second set victory, with a final score of 25-11.
Once again, Bolding made two great blocks at the start of the third set. An ace from defensive specialist Loren Hinkle followed by a kill from middle blocker Brenna Schmidt allowed the Wildcats to lead 12-3. A kill from outside hitter Liz Gregorski ended the match, 25-10.
Outside hitter Aniya Clinton had a near-career night. Clinton recorded a team-high 11 kills on the night, two less than her career high against Lipscomb Sept. 9.
A big factor in K-State’s performance was its communication. The Wildcats were especially verbal on the court, helping each other know where the ball was and who was going for it.
Carter said the coaches’ focus on communication in practices was important for the team in the match, and added the team having a good culture with players fitting in is also important.
The Wildcats will strike again at noon Sept. 16 against formerly-ranked Rice University at home.
