Travis Taylor | Lariat Photo Editor
Sports Writer
After two tough losses against top 25 teams, Baylor volleyball will look to rebound in a midday tilt against Kansas this Saturday. The Bears sit at 8-10, 0-2 in the Big 12. Kansas comes into the match with a record of 12-3 on an eight-match winning streak.
Baylor volleyball played a tough match against Texas on Wednesday night, losing 3-1. Baylor was not expected to win against the No. 4 defending national champions, but the Bears managed to win the first set that Texas has lost in all of Big 12 play in a thrilling third set, 25-23.
Senior outside hitter Zoe Adom leads Baylor with 197 kills and 3.08 kills per set. Sophomore outside hitter Thea Munch-Soegaard returned from injury after a four match hiatus against Texas. She is averaging 2.62 kills per set and 2.62 digs per set. Sophomore setter Amy Rosenbaum has come on in her first year starting and averaged 9.90 assists per set.
On the other side, senior middle blocker Caroline Jarmoc leads Kansas with 197 kills on a .317 hitting percentage. Her 3.40 kills per set leads the team. Close behind her is junior outside hitter Sara McClinton with 175 total kills on 3.18 kills per set and a .270 hitting percentage. Senior libero Brianne Riley leads the team with 4.76 digs per set.
Baylor has struggled offensively for long stretches this season. The Bears hit only .206 on the year, despite having an 8-8 record heading into Big 12 play. Baylor allows opponents to hit .237 on them. In wins, Baylor has almost two more digs per set than in losses, which shows the importance of back row defense.
The Jayhawks hit .260 and hold teams to an impressive .166 hitting percentage. Kansas has won all six sets they have played against Big 12 opponents TCU and Kansas State.
“We’re starting out against the three toughest teams in the Big 12,” head volleyball coach Jim Barnes said. “But I think it’s toughened us up. We’ve learned a lot.”
Baylor volleyball will take on Kansas at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Ferrell Center.
