Outside hitter Aniya Clinton made her return to the lineup for Kansas State and delivered with 17 kills, helping her team to a sweep of No. 20-ranked Colorado.
The upset over Colorado was the Wildcats’ third win over a ranked team this season, showing their ability to play and beat anyone on any given night.
“We competed really well against, obviously, a really good team, but I feel like we can compete against anyone,” K-State head coach Jason Mansfield said. “When we get our players healthy, we’re kind of cooking on all cylinders.”
The ‘Cats’ offense was stellar, posting a .324 batting average, which was tough for Colorado to stop. However, what was more impressive was the Wildcats’ defensive effort in the win.
K-State held Colorado to a .172 hitting percentage and also had nine blocks against the Buffaloes in the three sets.
“We just need to be great defensively against every team that we play, and we have been,” Mansfield said. “I think that’s what we kind of hang our hat on, and we practice it throughout the week. The girls are prepared, but we have to play relentless defense. We have to scrap and keep the ball off the floor.”
In the first set, the Wildcats were determined to show their defensive dominance, and they did. K-State had four blocks and out-dug the Buffaloes 15-11, which provided quick points and more offensive chances.
The second set of the match turned out to be the only competitive one, but it ended the same way, with the Wildcats taking the win 26-24. K-State initially trailed 23-21 in the set, but outside hitters Jordyn Williams and Aniyah Clinton tied the match with back-to-back kills.
When the Wildcats took the lead 25-24, senior setter Ava LeGrand finished off the set with an ace to give K-State the comeback set win. Clinton led all players with seven kills in the set.
“It was great to have Aniyah back,” Mansfield said. “We’re just a different team with her on the court, and we just haven’t played a lot of games with all of our starters.”
With momentum building, the Wildcats dominated the third set over the Buffaloes 25-18, leaving no doubt who the better team was. K-State held Colorado to a .029 hitting percentage and recorded six blocks in the final set.
The Wildcats will now welcome another ranked opponent to Morgan Family Arena as they face No. 23 Baylor on Nov. 12.
