The Oklahoma volleyball team won a defensive battle to grab its first conference win of 2009 against Kansas State Wednesday in Manhattan, Kan.
The Sooners beat the Wildcats 3-1 in a match that had 194 digs, 17 blocks and a few long rallies. With the win, OU extended its conference opener win streak to four straight since a loss to Kansas State in 2005.
OU won its first set 26-24, then dropped the next set to the Wildcats 24-26. The Sooner offense, led by junior Francie Ekwerekwu’s 13 kills, responded to win the next two sets 25-21 and 25-15.
The Sooners improve to 8-2, their best start since 2007, and the last time the Sooners made the NCAA tournament.
Suzy Boulavsky, sophomore right side, had 12 kills for the Sooner offense and added a career-high seven block assists.
Brianne Barker led the Sooners’ defense with 24 digs. The sophomore also had 36 assists to grab her seventh double-double of the season. Freshman María Fernanda added to the big defensive battle with 23 digs. Caitlin Higgins and Bridget Laplante notched 14 digs each.
Danielle Alva, sophomore defensive specialist, also had a career night with 14 defensive helpers.
The Sooners open their home season against Missouri at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. For Fan Appreciation Day, Sooner Nation members will receive double points and admission to the game will be free.
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