Mighty Longhorns roll over Kansas volleyball

Texas senior outside hitter Khat Bell (1) spikes the ball past Kansas sophomore middle blocker Tayler Soucie (10) and senior outside hitter Chelsea Albers during the second set on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at Horejsi Center.

The Kansas bench celebrates a point after jumping out to a 4-0 start during the fourth set. The Jayhawks were unable to hold off the Texas offense, losing the set 21-25 on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at Horejsi Center.

Texas continued its domination of Big 12 volleyball Sunday, downing Kansas University, 3-1, for the undefeated Longhorns’ 19th straight victory in Big 12 matches, 11th straight on the road and 21st in a row versus the Jayhawks.

“I thought Texas looked as good as anybody we’ve played,” said KU coach Ray Bechard, whose Jayhawks fell 25-14, 25-20, 20-25, 25-21, in Horejsi Center.

The Jayhawks (12-5, 0-3) have also lost to defending national champion, No. 3-rated Penn State this season, 3-0.

“They played at a nice level, and we played at a nice level — they just played at that level longer than we did,” Bechard added of the Longhorns (11-0, 3-0).

Texas, which was led by Khat Bell’s 15 kills, had won seven of its 10 matches this season by 3-0 scores. KU has been swept just twice in the past 62 matches and was not blanked Sunday.

“No way shape or form are we pleased with a four-set loss, but we are pretty pleased with the response after the break, and those are things we’ll build on,” Bechard said.

KU, which was led Chelsea Albers (17 kills) and Tiany Dockery (12), fell to 0-3 in league play for the first time since 2011. KU started the 2012 season 5-0 and 2013 season 4-0.

“I think (it’s) not playing the level we need to play at, and we’ve seen three really good teams to start conference play and a very elite team today,” said Bechard, whose Jayhawks have also lost to Oklahoma and Kansas State in five-set decisions. “We are going to be fine. It’s not the start we envisioned for the Big 12, but I think we saw moments today we can build on.”

Cassie Wait had 26 digs and Ainise Havili 11 for the Jayhawks, who travel to Baylor on Friday.

“I think we are all there right now,” Albers said. “We just need to keep our energy high. That’s the No. 1 thing we need to focus on. If we do that, things will turn around in time.”