Starkville, Miss. ? No. 5 Kansas opened its season Friday with a 25-22, 25-20, 25-17 victory over Mississippi State at the Bulldog Invitational.

Junior outside hitter Madison Rigdon had 14 kills for KU, junior right-side hitter Kelsie Payne had 11 kills and a career-high 12 digs, and both recorded aces. Also leading the way for the Jayhawks (1-0) were senior middle blocker Tayler Soucie (seven blocks) and junior setter Ainise Havili (31 assists).

KU will play two more matches in Starkville today, playing Eastern Washington at 10 a.m. and Lamar at 5 p.m.

The Jayhawks return to Lawrence for their home opener at noon on Friday against Chicago State.