K-State Volleyball Falls to No. 21 Utah at Home in 4 Sets

Wildcats Drop First Home Match of the Season

Wildcats Fall to 1-1 in Non-Conference Play

The Kansas State volleyball team dropped its first home match of the season on Wednesday night, falling to No. 21 Utah in four sets (25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 25-19) inside Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats (1-1) were led by senior outside hitter Aliyah Carter, who finished with a team-high 14 kills. Junior middle blocker Kadye Fernholz added 10 kills and four blocks, while sophomore setter Tehani Eatmon dished out 36 assists.

Utah (2-0) was led by senior outside hitter Dani Drews, who had a match-high 16 kills. Junior middle blocker Gwen Reimer added 13 kills and four blocks, while junior setter Emily Smith had 48 assists.

The Wildcats hit .222 for the match, while Utah hit .333. K-State also had eight service aces, but Utah had five blocks.

The first set was close throughout, but Utah pulled away late to win 25-20. The Wildcats led 18-17, but Utah scored the next four points to take a 21-18 lead. K-State got within one point at 22-21, but Utah scored the final three points to win the set.

The second set was also close, but Utah again pulled away late to win 25-21. The Wildcats led 17-16, but Utah scored the next four points to take a 20-17 lead. K-State got within two points at 22-20, but Utah scored the final three points to win the set.

The Wildcats won the third set 25-22 to avoid the sweep. K-State led 16-13, but Utah came back to tie the set at 19-19. The Wildcats then scored the next three points to take a 22-19 lead. Utah got within two points at 23-21, but K-State scored the final two points to win the set.

Utah won the fourth set 25-19 to clinch the match. The Utes led 16-13, but K-State came back to tie the set at 19-19. Utah then scored the next six points to win the set and the match.

The Wildcats will return to action on Friday when they host the K-State Invitational. K-State will play South Dakota at 11 a.m. and Missouri State at 7 p.m. inside Bramlage Coliseum.