KU sweeps No. 21 Utah as Onabanjo returns from injury

Jayhawks win first two matches of the season

Onabanjo’s return boosts KU volleyball

The Kansas volleyball team swept No. 21 Utah in straight sets (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) on Wednesday night at Horejsi Family Athletics Center.

The Jayhawks (2-0) were led by junior outside hitter Anezka Szabo, who had a match-high 14 kills. Senior middle blocker Caroline Bien had 10 kills and four blocks, and junior setter Ainise Havili had 36 assists.

Utah (1-1) was led by sophomore outside hitter Dani Drews, who had 11 kills. Junior middle blocker Adora Anae had 10 kills and three blocks.

The Jayhawks jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first set and never trailed. Utah cut the lead to 19-17, but KU closed out the set with a 6-2 run.

In the second set, the Jayhawks broke a 10-10 tie with a 5-0 run. Utah got within one point at 18-17, but KU again closed out the set with a 6-2 run.

The third set was the closest of the match. Utah led 14-12, but the Jayhawks came back to take a 17-16 lead. The two teams traded points until KU broke an 18-18 tie with a 3-0 run. Utah got within one point at 23-22, but KU scored the final two points to win the set and the match.

The Jayhawks were without senior outside hitter Ashley Smith, who is out with a knee injury. Smith is expected to miss the next two to three weeks.

Onabanjo, a sophomore outside hitter, missed the first match of the season with a foot injury. She had eight kills and two digs in her return to the lineup.

The Jayhawks will return to action on Friday when they host No. 15 Creighton at Horejsi Family Athletics Center.