Senior Kelsie Payne had 23 kills, 15 digs and five blocks, and Kansas’ volleyball team defeated Missouri State, 25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 25-19, in the Wolfpack Invitational on Saturday in Raleigh, N.C.

The Jayhawks also defeated North Carolina State, 26-28, 25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 15-8 to jmprove to 3-0.

“She emerged for us in a big way,” KU coach Ray Bechard said of Payne. “I’m as pleased with her 15 digs and five blocks as much as I am with her 23 kills. That’s a big-time contribution to our team today. As a team, we continue to play a little uneven offensively but defensively we are ahead of where we have been in the past at this time of year.”

Led by eight blocks (one solo) from sophomore Zoe Hill and seven blocks (two solo) from senior Taylor Alexander, the Jayhawks totaled 19 blocks in the match.