Kansas City
2-17,1-5Summit League
South Dakota
12-6,4-2Summit League
Roos Strong Start Fades in Four Set Bout with South Dakota
10/15/2025 9:40:00 PM | Volleyball
Emry Brown led the team with 12 kills, her third match of double figure kills in the Roos last four
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Volleyball (2-17, 1-5 Summit League) opened strong and showed fight throughout a four-set bout against South Dakota (12-6, 4-2), ultimately falling 3-1 (26-24, 17-25, 17-25, 13-25) on Wednesday night inside the Swinney Center. Kansas City worked there way through a tough and competitive first set, battling back from numerous deficits in the latter portion of the frame. The Roos at their sharpest, riding steady defense and balanced attacks to a 26-24 win.
After trailing 18-11, Kansas City strung together an inspired rally behind kills from Ledisi Kpea and Emry Brown, plus a clutch service ace from Lyla Jones. The Roos closed the frame on a 15-6 surge, capped by a block from Kpea and Ryanne Wattree that swung the momenteum the Roos way.
South Dakota answered in the next two sets, leaning on its front-line power to establish control. Kansas City stayed within striking distance early in both frames but couldn't quite maintain rhythm through the middle stretches. Still, the Roos' defensive backbone—anchored by Mia Weaver's 13 digs and Alaina Larson's nine—kept the Coyotes from running away with either set.
The fourth saw more of the same competitive spirit from Kansas City, as Kpea continued to lead offensively with nine kills on a .227 hitting percentage. Brown chipped in 12 kills of her own, while Chloe Kaminski and Jones shared setting duties effectively, dishing out 10 and 12 assists, respectively. The Roos also held their own at the net, totaling eight blocks led by Stella Smith and Kpea
Though the Coyotes ultimately secured the match, Kansas City's fight, particularly in the opening set and its improved defensive communication, showed the team's growth and resilience. The Roos return to action next week on the road at Oral Roberts on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. and will look to carry their early-set energy into a full-match performance as Summit League play continues.
