No. 9 Kansas bested Iowa State in four sets [21-25, 15-25, 25-23, 18-25]. Redshirt junior Amiree Hendricks-Walker, junior Faith DeRonde and freshman Rachel Van Gorp helped keep the Cyclones afloat, but the Jayhawks were too much in the end.
Iowa State got out to a hot start in set one with a 21-16 lead but ultimately let Kansas take the set after surrendering a 7-0 run. The Jayhawks dominated the second set 25-15 and had a chance to sweep the Cyclones, but let Iowa State take set three 25-23.
With their backs against the wall in set four, the Cyclones could not keep up with Kansas, as the Jayhawks controlled the entire set and took it 25-18.
Van Gorp and DeRonde continue to excel when needed
When it was announced that sophomore Nayeli Gonzalez was out for the year, the Cyclones had many questions to fill on the offensive end. Van Gorp is known for her defensive excellence but has had to step up on the attack for the Cyclones.
Van Gorp had six kills in a night where the Cyclones needed some offense. She had 20 digs to continue her high level of play both ways.
DeRonde did not have her name called earlier in the year a lot, but she knew she’d have to take a bigger role at the net. She had 12 kills and has had double-digit kills in three out of four games playing on the front row.
Hendricks-Walker’s net-front presence proves crucial
Hendricks-Walker has shown she can be depended upon throughout the year on offense. In her match against Texas Tech, she had 10 kills at a .667 hitting percentage.
She continued that against Kansas with her fourth straight game with double-digit kills. She had 11 kills at a .391 hitting percentage.
Along with being strong on offense, Hendricks-Walker was strong on defense with seven blocks.
Maya Duckworth makes her return
Junior Maya Duckworth missed the last three games but made it into the game against Kansas on Wednesday night.
She had zero kills, but her presence in the game at all is a good sign for a team that has been riddled with injuries all year. Duckworth is second on the team in kills with 159 at 2.74 per set.
If Iowa State wants to compete in a tough Big 12 conference, Duckworth certainly will be at the center of that effort.
Iowa State will return home for its next match at noon Sunday against Kansas State. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
