Kansas City
3-19,2-7Summit League
North Dakota
6-14,3-6Summit League
Roos Drop Four Set Contest to North Dakota
10/23/2025 9:48:00 PM | Volleyball
Ryanne Wattree, Nyle Mathis paced Kansas City offensively, producing 10 kills each
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Kansas City Volleyball (3-19, 2-7 Summit League) fought hard on the road Thursday night but came up short in a 3-1 (19-25, 25-14, 18-25, 23-25) loss to North Dakota (6-14, 3-6) at the Betty Engelstad Sioux Center. The Roos showed steady improvement throughout the night, highlighted by a dominant second set and strong offensive balance across the lineup.
After a back-and-forth start in the opening frame, the Fighting Hawks gained a slight edge midway through and held on to take set one. Kansas City responded with resilience, showing flashes of momentum from its outside hitters and back-row defense. Ledisi Kpea and Ryanne Wattree helped spark early rallies, while setter Lyla Jones dished out crisp passes to keep the offense fluid.
The second set was all Kansas City. The Roos opened with energy and confidence, building an early lead and never looking back on their way to a commanding 25-14 win. Nyle Mathis came alive offensively, registering multiple kills during a key stretch that put KC up double digits. Alaina Larson kept the pressure on from the service line, landing two aces and contributing 17 digs overall, while Jones and Chloe Kaminski combined for 36 assists on the match and orchestrated one of the team's most efficient sets of the season.
North Dakota regained control in the third, but Kansas City refused to back down. Weaver and Kpea continued to produce at the net, and the Roos' defense held strong against several long rallies. Despite dropping the frame 25-18, KC maintained momentum heading into the fourth, which turned into the most competitive set of the match.
The Roos battled point-for-point down the stretch of the final set, drawing within a point at 23-24 after a late ace from Kailee Deffebaugh. Wattree and Mathis combined for 20 kills on the night, and Mia Weaver helped guide the defense with 12 digs. In the end, a late North Dakota push sealed the match, but the Roos' collective grit and improved execution offered plenty of positives to build on.
Kansas City finished with 47 kills, eight aces, and 60 digs as a team—marking one of its most balanced efforts of Summit League play. The Roos stay in the state of North Dakota to take on the Bison of NDSU at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
