Kansas City
15-8,11-3WAC
Seattle U
12-16,3-11WAC
Seniors Lead Volleyball to Victory on Senior Day
11/9/2019 6:05:00 PM | Volleyball
Harrington, Sadler and Lukes Combine for 37 Kills and 13 Total Blocks
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A historic group of seniors were honored as Alicia Harrington, Ty Lukes and Mykal Sadler suited up in their home uniforms for the final time, and Senior Day lived up to its name as the Kansas City volleyball team took down the Seattle U Redhawks 3-1 (25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21) for its last match of the season in the Swinney Center.Â
The three seniors were well aware of the spotlight, and each of them got going early. Sadler threw down a kill on the first point of the match, and nine points later, the other two had joined her in the kill column. When all was said and done, they combined for 37 kills on .322 hitting and combined for 13 total blocks.Â
"Yes," all three chimed in unison when asked if they were excited for the match honoring them.
It marks the end of an era, as at least one of them has been on the court for each of the last 412 sets that the Roos have taken the court. They have compiled a career record of 60-52, including three straight WAC Tournament qualifications.Â
"It's bittersweet, because of what they've meant to the program," Head Coach Christi Posey said. "Not only in their physical characteristics, but what they stand for, and what they've given over time."
Alicia Harrington
Alicia Harrington walked onto the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus destined to be a star. She played in all but one set her freshman year, and made an impact immediately. Her demeanor is calm, her swing anything but calm.Â
"She's the number one person that anyone has to worry about on our team when they scout us," Posey said. "We've felt she had the ability to do this since her sophomore year."
Harrington's legacy has only grown, as she's led the team in kills each of the past three years. When she hangs up her jersey for the final time, she will be known as the number three hitter in program history in terms of career kills, and the top attacker since rally scoring was adopted in the 2001 season.
She has received WAC Player of the Week honors twice in her career, and was named to the All-WAC First Team after last season. She seems on pace for another First Team acknowledgement, standing second in the conference in kills per set this season.
"She's really embraced the role that she has on our team," Posey said. "Our team loves her and respects her so much. She's a special person and she's a difference maker for us."
Mykal Sadler
Mykal Sadler's journey is a story of overcoming adversity. After leading the Roos in blocks per set her freshman and sophomore year, she injured her knee, forcing her to sit out last season. Sadler has returned with poise, returning to her spot as Kansas City's top blocker, posting six games with five or more blocks and averaging .9 per set.
"Her injury really cut short her career," Posey said. "That kid was really destined to be an all-conference kid."
Sadler has an opportunity to go down in Roo history, and it seems inevitable that she will. Currently sitting at 226 career block assists, she is just two away from breaking into the top 10 in program history. The Roos have at least three matches remaining, and Sadler has posted multiple block assists in all but five of the Roos' matches this season.
"She's doing the best she can to make the most of it, and many people didn't think she'd be able to come back after that injury," Posey said. "It's remarkable, and it's a testament to her strength.
Ty Lukes
After spending her first two seasons in the community college ranks and redshirting her first year as a Roo, Ty Lukes exploded onto the scene last season. She posted the second best single season hitting percentage in Kansas City history, firing a smoking .420 clip. She set the bar high for herself this season, and was named the 2019 Preseason WAC Offensive Player of the Year.Â
"She came here without knowing much about us, but just allowed herself to trust us," Posey said. "She's gone through a tough time as well, but has really blossomed."
Her numbers this season have not quite matched up to what she posted last year, but there's no question as to the vital role that she plays. If the season ended today, her career hitting percentage of .388 would be the best in program history by a landslide. Emma Hagedorn previously held the honor, with a career hitting percentage of .319.
"Despite the fact that this year has been individually disappointing, in terms of her glory, she still continues to work to get better and to contribute in any way that she can," Posey said. "She loves her team."
Up Next
Kansas City has clinched at least the third seed in the WAC Tournament, with a chance to move into second, given two wins next week and a Grand Canyon loss. The Roos will hit the road for their final regular season matches next weekend against a pair of quality opponents. They will take on UTRGV on Thursday, before matching up with New Mexico State, who clinched the WAC Regular Season Championship with a victory over Grand Canyon earlier today, on Saturday.
