Lilly Crist
Shaylee Myers celebrates with her teammates after winning a volley. The Wildcats defeated Texas Tech 3-0 on Oct. 10.
Kansas State notched its first home win versus conference opponents, making quick work of Texas Tech. The Wildcats pulled off the sweep, winning 25-15, 25-14 and 25-19.
The Wildcats jumped out to an 11-6 lead in set one as the Red Raiders committed some early attack errors. However, Texas Tech would slowly creep back into the set, going on a 4-1 run to bring the score to 12-10. The momentum quickly shifted back to K-State, as the Wildcats would only allow five more Texas Tech points for the set. K-State won the set 25-15 behind 7 kills from outside hitter Shaylee Myers.
Texas Tech struggled early in set two as well, going down 10-1 mainly due to errors and two aces from libero Caleigh Ponn. K-State took advantage of the early struggle and ran with it, winning the set 25-14. Outside hitter Aniya Clinton was all over the net, producing kills consistently.
“After Wednesday, we got together and talked a lot about urgency and finishing when we’re on top of teams,” Clinton said.
Set three saw a more competitive Texas Tech team. Tied at 19-19, it looked like the Red Raiders were going to eventually earn their first lead of the game. A clutch block from Myers and an ace from setter Emma Van Lannen would prevent this, forcing a Texas Tech timeout. After the timeout, the Wildcats continued the attack, clutching up and winning 25-19.
“We just have to have our block to be solid,” said K-State head coach Jason Mansfield. “[Myers] had three or four stuffs tonight, and that had to feel good.”
Myers finished with 16 kills, and Clinton had 14 kills with 13 digs. Ponn notched three service aces, while setter Ava Legrand finished with 34 assists and nine digs.
The Wildcats look ahead to Baylor, which ranks among the top five in the Big 12. The matchup will take place on Oct 15. at 7 p.m. at Texas.