Kansas City
5-19,3-10Summit League
St. Thomas
16-10,8-6Summit League
Kansas City Falls to St. Thomas in Three Sets
11/9/2024 4:00:00 PM | Volleyball
Deffebaugh Records Season-High 10 Kills as Roos Show Offensive Spark in Final Set
KANSAS CITY, MO -Kansas City dropped a three-set match to St. Thomas (18-25, 17-25, 21-25) in a competitive outing at the Swinney Center. The Roos displayed offensive growth, highlighted by a match-high .310 hitting percentage in the third set and Kailee Deffebaugh's season-best 10 kills. Leah Green anchored the defense with 21 digs, while Sydney Henry facilitated the attack with 32 assists and added 9 digs of her own. Despite their efforts, Kansas City was unable to overcome St. Thomas' consistent pressure.
SET-BY-SET VS. St.Thomas
SET ONE / 18-25:Kansas City opened the match against St. Thomas with solid efforts at the net, as Sila Ozyurek and Ledisi Kpea combined for 5 kills in the first set. Despite their contributions, early errors allowed St. Thomas to gain momentum and build a lead. Kansas City had key plays from Ozyurek and Kpea, but a late 6-point run by St. Thomas ultimately sealed the set 25-18.
SET TWO /Â 17-25: Kansas City faced a tough second set, with Kaia Dunford and Ledisi Kpea combining for 8 kills to drive the offense. St. Thomas took advantage of Kansas City's missteps and used effective serving, including multiple aces, to build an early lead. The Tommies extended their advantage to 23-15 late in the set, fueled by consistent scoring runs. Kansas City responded with late contributions from Kpea, who added two critical kills, and Motta, but St. Thomas maintained control to close out the set 25-17.
SET THREE / 21-25: Kansas City battled through a tightly contested third set against St. Thomas, with both teams trading points for much of the frame. The Roos displayed strong offensive efforts, led by Kaia Dunford and Sila Ozyurek, who combined for key kills to keep the set within reach. Kansas City pulled even at 19-19, but a pair of late service aces and consistent attacks from St. Thomas created separation. Despite another late kill by Dunford, the Tommies secured the set 25-21 with a service ace to close it out.
STATS TO NOTE
- Kansas City had the highest hitting percentage in the third set, with Kailee Deffebaugh contributing to the offensive spark with 10 kills, a season high.
- Leah Green anchored Kansas City's back row with a match-high 21 digs, while Sydney Henry delivered 32 assists to set up the Roos' offense and added 9 digs to bolster the defense.
- Sila Ozyurek led the team in blocks with 4, making a significant impact at the net to challenge the opposition's attack.
UP NEXT:
Kansas City Volleyball heads north for their final road trip of the season, taking on North Dakota on November 14th at 7 PM and North Dakota State on November 16th at 7 PM.
