Kansas City
3-21,2-9Summit League
St. Thomas
15-7,8-3Summit League
Kansas City Hits Season-Best Percentage in Straight Sets Loss to St. Thomas
11/1/2025 3:04:00 PM | Volleyball
Stella Smith boasted a .778 hitting percentage, the best individual mark by a Roos this season
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Volleyball (3-21, 2-9 Summit League) showed poise and precision in Saturday afternoon's home match, hitting a season-high percentage of .277 despite falling in three sets (17-25, 16-25, 18-25) to St. Thomas (15-7, 8-3) inside the Swinney Center. The Roos' efficient attack and offensive balance offered clear signs of growth as the team continues to build momentum late in Summit League play.
The Roos started strong in the opening set, trading points early behind smart swings from Nyle Mathis and Doga Eski. Kansas City's offense found its rhythm quickly, connecting on its first seven kills without an error to post a .318 hitting mark in the frame. Stella Smith made her presence felt immediately, converting on every opportunity at the net and helping KC maintain steady pressure against the Tommies' defense.
The second set saw Kansas City play some of its cleanest volleyball of the season. The Roos registered 13 kills on 28 attempts with just one error for a remarkable .429 hitting percentage, one their best single-set performance this fall. Smith continued to lead the way with efficient execution, while Eski and Ledisi Kpea added timely strikes through the middle. Setters Lyla Jones and Chloe Kaminski kept the ball moving with 25 combined assists, orchestrating a smooth and confident offensive flow.
Smith's stellar outing highlighted the match, as the freshman middle posted a career-best .778 hitting percentage with seven kills on nine attempts. Her consistenct presence helped anchor a Kansas City attack that showed balance and control throughout the match. Eski added seven kills at a .538 clip, and Mathis contributed six kills and a pair of key blocks as the Roos continued to showcase offensive growth and depth.
Defensively, Alaina Larson led Kansas City with 10 digs and helped stabilize the back row, while Kpea and Mathis provided a strong blocking presence at the net with two total blocks apiece. Despite St. Thomas maintaining the edge late in each set, the Roos demonstrated resilience and steady energy from start to finish, keeping every frame competitive through extended rallies and clean transitions.
Kansas City returns to action next week taking on Oral Roberts inside the Swinney Center at 7 p.m. on Thursday evening.
