Kansas City
1-14,0-2Summit League
Denver
10-3,2-0Summit League
Roos Rally Attempt Comes Up Short at Denver
9/27/2025 4:54:00 PM | Volleyball
Stella Smith breaks out with 11 kills as Kansas City slips to 0-2 in Summit League play
DENVER, Colo. – Kansas City (1-14, 0-2 Summit League) could not build on its mid-match spark and dropped a 3-1 decision to Denver (10-3, 2-0) on Saturday afternoon at Hamilton Gymnasium. The Pioneers claimed the first two sets by scores of 25-10 and 25-22 before the Roos answered with a 25-23 win in the third. Denver closed the door in the fourth with a 25-14 victory.
After a slow start in the opening set, where the Roos managed just five kills on a .100 hitting percentage, Kansas City found rhythm in the second. Freshman Stella Smith provided a lift with several timely kills, while Chloe Kaminski and Lyla Jones spread the offense effectively. The Roos battled Denver point for point through much of the frame before the Pioneers pulled away late to take the 2-0 set advantage.
Kansas City responded in the third behind its most efficient offensive performance of the day, recording 12 kills and five blocks in the set. Smith led the charge, finishing with 11 kills on 20 attempts for a .500 hitting percentage. Ryanne Wattree and Kailee Deffebaugh added key swings on the outside, while Ledisi Kpea and Emry Brown contributed at the net. The Roos staved off multiple Denver rallies and held steady down the stretch to secure the 25-23 win.
Denver regained control in the fourth as Pioneers setter Izzy Rawlings directed Denver's attack with 29 assists, while Jamia Johnson powered the offense with 17 kills on a .433 clip. Denver's service game also proved decisive, finishing with 11 aces compared to six for Kansas City. The Roos didn't have enough to complete the rally and fell in the fourth set to drop the match outright.
Overall, Kansas City hit .140 with 34 kills, while Denver tallied 64 kills at a .352 percentage. The Roos were outpaced 49-36 in digs and 77-45 in total points. The Roos were outscored 77-45 in the points department while both sides committed 19 attack errors each. The Roos allowed 11 aces from Denver and were nearly doubled up in assists 62-31 for the match. KC did register five blocks compared to the Pios' two.
Smith led Kansas City with 11 kills and a.500 hitting percentage, both incredible marks for the freshman in her second match of her career. Wattree added seven kills and Deffebaugh finished with four kills and two blocks. Alaina Larson chipped in three aces, while Kaminski posted 16 assists and five digs. Smith, Brown and Jones all totaled six digs each to lead the team defensively.
The Roos return home to continue Summit League play against North Dakota State on Thursday evening at the Swinney Center.
