Just like last week’s match with Texas A&M, Saturday’s volleyball match between Kansas University and No. 22 Missouri was epic – five games, a deafening crowd and a thrilling ending.

Once again, though, it was a loss for the Jayhawks.

The Tigers continued their Border War supremacy, beating KU 3-2 (22-30, 30-25, 31-29, 23-30, 15-12) at Horejsi Center to sweep the season series.

It was KU’s fourth loss in its last five matches.

“They just made some plays,” KU coach Ray Bechard said, fighting to find words to describe the heartbreaker.

After Kansas (18-9 overall, 9-9 Big 12 Conference) took game one, Missouri (24-6, 13-5) claimed games two and three, seemingly deflating the Jayhawks and their chance to salvage 1 1/2 points in the Border War Series.

But the Jayhawks came back. Behind an Andi Rozum kill and two block assists from Rozum and Josiane Lima, KU took a 6-0 lead in game four. The Jayhawks tied the match 2-2, and sent a near-packed crowd at Horejsi into a frenzy.

KU's Jill Dorsey digs the ball as Josiane Lima (10), Andi Rozum (9) and Jennifer Kraft watch. Missouri defeated the Jayhawks on Saturday night at Horejsi Center.

“I thought it took a lot of courage, especially the way you lose game three,” Bechard said. “They come right back and manage that. I was very proud of them.”

Kansas had an 8-6 lead in the fifth and deciding game, but a Missouri timeout sparked the Tigers to their ensuing 3-0 run. MU ended up breaking a 12-12 tie to take the match.

“It’s really frustrating to know that we’re that close to being able to do it,” said Rozum. “For some reason, we just let up a little.”

Rozum had a solid evening, contributing seven kills, 15 digs and 52 assists. Junior Sarah Rome had 14 kills and 19 digs, both team-highs.

The Jayhawks had trouble all evening stopping Missouri senior Christi Myers, who had 26 kills and a .449 attack percentage, easily match-highs.

“She’s their go-to,” Bechard said. “Myers has had a great career at Missouri, and she should be real proud of her match tonight. She’s a real quality middle, one of the best in the Big 12.”

The loss puts KU’s NCAA Tournament hopes in grave danger. Kansas needs to win out to finish above .500 in conference, with No.19 Kansas State and Colorado left to play.