The RoundHouse | 8/17/2019 6:55:00 PM

 
For Wichita State sophomore left Megan Taflinger, the key evaluation from Saturday's exhibition was easy to see. The Shockers looked like a team much more capable of defending on the front row, active and organized against a bigger opponent.
 
"I came out of that game going 'We know how to block,' which is fabulous to see compared to last year," she said. "We out-blocked them 2 to 1 and compared to last year, that was great."
 
Kansas defeated Wichita State 3-2 (22-25, 28-26, 11-25, 25-15, 15-6) in front of 3,004 fans at Koch Arena. Both coaches experimented with lineups, especially in the final two sets. Fifteen Shockers played, 14 for the Jayhawks in a game that didn't affect redshirt eligibility. 
 
The Shockers hit .370 in the third set, the best attack percentage of the match. Kansas hit .233 and .200 in the final two sets to break away.
 
Shockers coach Chris Lamb played something close to his projected lineup for most of the first three sets. Returning starters Taflinger and middle Emma Wright performed as expected. Libero Kara Bown finished with 12 digs after playing libero in two sets and defensive specialist in three. 
 
With two weeks before the opener, Lamb viewed the performance as a positive data point on his way to the regular season. He liked his team's energy. He agreed with Taflinger about the improved blocking – opponents hit .235 against the Shockers last season – after WSU out-blocked Kansas 13-7. He filled the lineup with newcomers early in the match and they, in general, looked like they belonged in a college match.
 
"When we had our probable starters in, I felt competitive," Lamb said. "Against a more physical opponent, I felt we were able to be very competitive. I want to see these guys learn a little more about each other. You're learning to compete side by side and that's a valuable experience and I watched it go very well today."

The Shockers need several of their newcomers - 11 in total - to fill important roles.
 
Freshmen attackers Nicole Anderson, Sina Uluave and Sophia Rohling played much of the first three sets, with Anderson and Uluave playing all six rotations. 
 
"When I first walked in the gym, it was very surreal," Anderson said. "I had never experienced anything like that. But, honestly, after I got my first touch of the ball it kind of went away. I was focused on the game."
 
Freshman left Brylee Kelly recorded five kills over the final four sets. Junior transfer McKayla Wuensch and freshman Kayce Litzau shared setting duties most of the match with sophomore Kora Kauling playing in two sets.
 
 "I couldn't be happier," Lamb said. "(The newcomers) didn't look rattled to me. I'm pretty happy they just fought and it looked like we were together while doing that."
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.