Kansas volleyball defeats UMKC in exhibition match

photo by: Kyle Babson/Special to the Journal-World

Kansas redshirt freshman outside hitter Ashley Smith jumps for a spike against Iowa State on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at Horejsi Center. The Jayhawks won in five sets, clinching a Big 12 title.

The Kansas volleyball team opened the 2018 season with a four-set exhibition victory over UMKC Saturday afternoon at Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

In the win, the Jayhawks were led by junior outside hitters Patricia Montero and Ashley Smith, who combined for 37 kills on a .394 hitting clip. Sophomore Annika Carlson, who made her first career start as the team’s setter, helped Kansas record a .250 team hitting percentage.

Kansas claimed a 28-26 win in the opening set, but UMKC responded with a two-point victory to take the second set.

Freshman defensive specialist Audri Suter notched an ace on set point to help the Jayhawks wrap up a 26-24 win in the third set. Kansas finished off the exhibition win with a 25-19 victory in the fourth set.

Kansas will travel to Arkansas Friday for the season opener.

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