Wichita State Athletics

HOUSTON, Texas – Wichita State volleyball fell to Rice in straight sets Friday night at Tudor Fieldhouse, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19.
 
The Shockers (4-13, 1-4 American) were led by McKenzie Jones and Janaya Weitkemper, who recorded 11 kills apiece. Jones hit .381 on 21 attempts, while Weitkemper finished with a .333 hitting percentage on 27 swings. Maddie Wilson added six kills with a .353 hitting percentage and four blocks.
 
Wichita State totaled 39 kills and hit .213 as a team, while the Shockers' defense finished with 60 digs and seven total team blocks.
 
Serving and receiving caused issues for the Shockers as Rice (9-8, 3-2 American) recorded five service aces, and Wichita State committed 10 service errors.
 
Rice claimed the opening set, 25-21, after the teams battled through eight tie scores. The Shockers held an early advantage in the set, using a 6-0 run to build a 6-1 lead before the Owls rallied to even the score and take control late.
 
The second set featured another close contest, with Wichita State hitting a match-best .278 and recording 16 kills. The Shockers stayed within striking distance throughout the set, but Rice pulled away late to secure a 25-22 win and take a 2-0 match lead.
 
Rice closed out the match with a 25-19 victory in the third set. The Owls used a decisive stretch in the middle of the frame, going on an 11-1 run to create separation, and Wichita State's late push was not enough to extend the match.
 
Addie Oeth paced the Shockers with 17 assists, while Jordan Heatherly contributed 15, and Gabi Maas led Wichita State with a match-high with 20 digs.
 
Sydnee Peterson led the Owls with a match-high 12 kills, and Savannah Skopal dished a match-high 40 assists.
 
Wichita State returns to action looking to bounce back in American Conference play at Tulsa on Sunday at 1 p.m.