Wichita State Athletics

WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State dropped a four-set decision to Tulsa, 25-22, 22-25, 11-25, 20-25, Friday night inside Charles Koch Arena.
 
The Shockers (4-11, 1-2 American) jumped out to an early advantage, taking the opening set, 25-22, before Tulsa (11-3, 3-0 American) answered by claiming the next three sets.
 
Janaya Weitkemper led Wichita State with nine kills on 17 attacks while hitting .412. Maddie Wilson added eight kills and four blocks, while Jenna Cubbage recorded eight kills and one block.
 
Wichita State took a 14-10 lead before extending its advantage to eight at 22-14 in the opening set. Tulsa rallied, going on an 8-2 run to cut the deficit to two before McKenzie Jones put set one away with a kill.
 
Tulsa responded in the second set, building a three-point advantage early. The Shockers kept it close, tying the match at 20-all, but service errors down the stretch proved costly, and Tulsa claimed set two with kills from Isabella Ocampo and Kat Cooper to even the match.
 
The Golden Hurricane took control in the third set, hitting .406 with 14 kills and just one attack error. Tulsa jumped ahead 11-5 and continued to build its lead before taking the set, 25-11. Wichita State battled in the fourth, but Tulsa opened the frame with a 5-0 run and increased its advantage to nine. The Shockers pulled within three late couldn't overcome the early deficit and the Golden Hurricane sealed the match with a 25-20 set three win.
 
The Shockers finished the night with 46 kills and five team blocks, while Tulsa totaled 48 kills and 10 blocks. Wichita State hit .133 for the match. The Golden Hurricane was led by Olivia Vance with 17 kills (.421).
 
The Shockers hit the road for their first American Conference away match, facing Tulane (11-2, 3-0 American) Sunday at 1 p.m. CT in New Orleans, La.