The CU volleyball team beat the Kansas Jayhawks in three of five games to improve their record to 3-1 in Big 12 conference competition.
“We all had faith in each other. We played as a team to win,” sophomore Mallori Gibson said.
After a strong kill, Gibson served up an ace to give the Buffs a 27-26 lead in game one.
It was a back-and-forth game that ended on a kill by senior Ashley Nu’u. The Buffs ended up winning game one, 30-28.
In game two, the Jayhawks jumped to an early 10-4 lead. As the Buffs showed signs of a comeback, the Jayhawks pulled away further, lead by the services of senior Dani Wittman
Austin Zimmerman had two big kills that slowed the pace of the Jayhawks, but the Buffs could not come back from a 22-15 deficit.
After the intermission, the Buffs came out a little sluggish, falling behind 25-17. Despite showing signs of a turnaround, the Buffs fell in game three 30-20.
Yet, the Buffs came out strong against the Jayhawks in the fourth game, taking an early 10-4 lead.
“We all picked it up, started talking and letting each other know what we are doing,” Gibson said. After Kansas called a timeout, the Buffs were in the lead, 14-7.
CU dominated game four, winning 30-19 on a game-winning kill by Gibson.
“We were playing our own game, just settling down and playing our own positions,” said Gibson.
Following the momentum of the game-four win, the Buffs were winning 8-6 after the court change in the last game. Sutherland provided some important kills and blocks in the closing moments of the game.
The game ended on another kill by Nu’u, giving CU the last game, 15-7.
“Everyone on the team is doing what they need to do in order for us to be successful,” Sutherland said.
The Buffs improved to 3-1 in Big 12 competition and 7-5 overall.
