Bearkats Split On Opening Day of Jayhawk Classic

By: SHSU Sports Information Department/Paul Ridings

Posted: Sat 1:29 AM, Sep 01, 2012

LAWRENCE, KS -- Deveney Wells-Gibson posted a career high 23 kills to lead Sam Houston State to a four-set volleyball victory over Nebraska-Omaha to give the Bearkats a split on their first day of action in the Jayhawk Volleyball Classic Friday.

Sam Houston bounced back from a first set loss to win 19-25 25-18 31-29 25-18, evening the Kats' 2012 season record at 3-3. Earlier in the day, the Bearkats fell in three tight sets to host Kansas.

Wells-Gibson totaled 24 points, racking up her 23 kills in 67 attempts and adding two block assists. Kendall Cleveland added 15 kills in 34 attempts.

Tayler Gray assisted on 39 of the Bearkats 59 kills. Gray also added 26 digs and Jamie Haas totaled 21.
The four sets were tied 22 times with 10 lead changes.

Despite 12 kills by Cleveland and 10 by Kaylee Hawkins, Sam Houston State fell in three sets to host team University of Kansas in the Bearkats' first action at the KU Jayhawk Volleyball Invitational Friday afternoon.

Kansas upped its 2012 record to 3-1 with a 25-23 25-22 25-15 straight set victory. The Bearkats fall to 2-3 for the season.

Sam Houston battled each set. The first frame was tied seven times with three lead changes. A kill by Cleveland put the Bearkats within one, 23-22 but Kansas won three of the next four points to go up one set to none.

Another kill by Cleveland put Sam Houston up 17-11 in the second set. The Jayhawks rallied to win 14 of the next 19 points and go up by two sets. Kansas never trailed in the third and final set.

Deveney Wells-Gibson totaled seven kills. Tayler Gray assisted on 29 Bearkat kills and added five digs. Kim Black and Hawkins each had three blocks. Caroline Jarmoc led the Jayhawks with 16 kill. Kansas totaled 55 points on attacks, blocks and aces while Sam Houston scored 38.

Sam Houston will complete the tournament Saturday.

Kats Rally for 6-5 Win and Series Sweep

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