October 23 sticks out on Kansas University’s volleyball schedule like an overturned car in a botanical garden — a head-scratching abnormality.

Surrounded on both sides by nothing but victories, that Friday a few weeks back marks the night the Jayhawks not only suffered their only loss to date, but also got swept in Austin, Texas, by the mighty Longhorns.

In a season full of KU handing out drubbings, Texas forced Kansas to experience the other side of a shellacking.

Sophomore Kansas setter Ainise Havili said the No. 10-ranked Jayhawks (22-1 overall, 10-1 Big 12) are better because of that defeat, and they can carry the memory of it with them into tonight’s 6:30 rematch with No. 5 Texas (20-2, 10-1), at Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

“I think we learned that we all have to play well and together for us to be successful — in any game, not even just Texas,” Havili said. “But if there are (only) two or three players playing well, we’re not gonna win.”

Kansas senior Anna Church (1) makes a diving dig as Ainise Havili (11) watches during their volleyball match against Baylor Saturday afternoon at the Horejsi Center.

Historically, KU rarely has defeated perennial power UT. The Jayhawks are 4-38 overall and 4-29 in coach Ray Bechard’s 18 seasons.

The Kansas coach said the Jayhawks left Austin disappointed in how they played, but the Longhorns forced KU’s struggles.

“What we want to do is try to outwork people every time we go out there,” Bechard said, “and that’s gonna be a big part of (tonight), is what we do defensively, because they outplayed us offensively and defensively the last time.”

Getting a second chance to prove they can hang with — or knock off — UT on their home court could have the Jayhawks more excited than usual, according to Havili.

“There’s definitely some hype to it, but I think that’s something we need to also fix from last time,” she said. “Just relax and play volleyball. And we’ll get it done.”

Four more regular-season games remain for both KU and Texas following the showdown, but the outcome well could end up determining the conference title.

Said Bechard: “Granted, it’s one match in a 16-match schedule, but to have an opportunity to go ahead of them in the Big 12 standings, face-to-face, it’ll be a great opportunity for our program.”