Kansas City
3-24,2-12Summit League
South Dakota State
21-3,15-0Summit League
Roos Can't Handle Jackrabbits in Straight Sets Defeat
11/13/2025 9:20:00 PM | Volleyball
Weaver led Kansas City in kills with seven, Larson fourth straight match of double digit digs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City challenged South Dakota State each step of the way but came up empty, losing to the Jackrabbits in straight sets in their penultimate home match at the Swinney Center Thursday evening. The Roos showed composure, energy and timely execution throughout the match, hanging within striking distance in every set and refusing to let the Summit League leaders pull away easily. With set scores of 25-19, 25-19 and 25-20, Kansas City consistently stayed in range thanks to steady serving, improved defensive reads and stretches of efficient offense.
Kansas City matched the Jackrabbits point-for-point early, grabbing an early lead and generating multiple sideouts to keep SDSU from building momentum. Ledisi Kpea and Stella Smith each delivered key points at the net, and Mia Weaver continued to establish herself as a reliable option on the outside. The Roos also recorded a pair of blocks to slow down SDSU's early rhythm, showing their ability to counter-punch against one of the conference's most explosive attacks.
Set two brought more of the same toughness. Kansas City found its defensive groove, holding SDSU to below their kills per set average while also forcing the Jackrabbits into a few attack errors. Weaver and Nyle Mathis powered the offense during a mid-set surge that saw the Roos erase a multi-point deficit and draw even at 13-all behind a pair of aces from Smith. The Roos' block again provided timely stops, with Ryanne Wattree and Smith combining for one of the match's best stuff sequences. Even as the Jackrabbits edged ahead late, Kansas City's resilience was on display with efficient sideouts and continued pressure from the service line.
The third set showcased Kansas City's strongest push of the night. The Roos jumped out to a 5–3 lead behind Weaver's early ace and a balanced offensive rhythm that saw four different players record kills in the opening rallies. Kansas City totaled four blocks in the frame—its highest of the match—as Kpea, Mathis and Wattree formed a tough wall at the net to disrupt SDSU's hitters. Down the stretch, the Roos mounted a spirited 4–0 run to close the gap to 22–20, highlighted by disciplined defense and aggressive swings from Mathis.
The Roos matched SDSU in total blocks (8–8), earned three service aces and played some of their most connected team defense of the season with 35 digs across the three sets. Multiple players produced well-rounded stat lines, including Weaver's seven kills, five digs and an ace. Smith notched two aces and showcased efficient setting runs. Kpea's totaled six blocks—her highest output in weeks. Alaina Larson also produced 11 digs, a team-best for the match and her fourth consecutive match of 10-plus digs.
Kansas City sticks on home turf to host Denver in the Roos senior day celebration and final home match of the season. First serve between the Roos and Pioneers is at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
