Hailey
The annual Dillons Sunflower Showdown between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Kansas Jayhawks delivered thrilling volleyball action on November 15, 2025, in Manhattan, Kansas.
The No. 13 ranked Jayhawks defeated the Wildcats in straight sets 25‑22, 25‑20, and 26‑24, splitting the season series and continuing one of college volleyball’s most intense rivalries.
Match Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | November 15, 2025 |
| Location | Morgan Family Arena, Manhattan, Kansas |
| Contest | Kansas vs. Kansas State – Dillons Sunflower Showdown (Volleyball) |
| Final Score | Kansas 3, Kansas State 0 (25‑22, 25‑20, 26‑24) |
| Kansas Record After Match | 20‑8 overall, 11‑3 in Big 12 |
| Kansas State Record After Match | 15‑8 overall, 8‑7 in Big 12 |
Key Performance Highlights
- For Kansas State, senior setter Ava LeGrand recorded 34 assists and 12 digs, marking her 13th double‑double of the season.
- Wildcat outside hitter Aniya Clinton posted 11 kills and 11 digs for her seventh double‑double of the year.
- Kansas achieved a hitting efficiency of .250 with 45 kills, while Kansas State finished at .150 with 40 kills.
- At the net, Kansas logged 8 blocks compared to K-State’s 4, while the Wildcats led in digs 50‑48.
- Kansas leaders included Shaylee Myers with 15 kills, Jordyn Williams with 7 kills, Symone Sims with 12 digs and an ace, and Brenna Schmidt with 4 blocks.
Set‑by‑Set Breakdown
Set 1 (25‑22 KU):
The opening set was a back‑and‑forth battle. Kansas pulled ahead 15‑10 with a strong run, but K-State rallied from 24‑18 to 24‑22 before a service error ended the set.
Set 2 (25‑20 KU):
Kansas took early control with a 7‑1 run, forcing multiple errors by K-State and holding the Wildcats to a .024 hitting efficiency. Clinton led with five kills in the set.
Set 3 (26‑24 KU):
K-State jumped to a 13‑9 lead with a 5‑point run, but Kansas responded to tie the set at 24‑24. A critical attack error by K-State gave Kansas the set point, followed by a service ace to clinch the match.
Rivalry Context & Significance
The Sunflower Showdown is a historic Kansas rivalry spanning multiple sports. Winning this matchup carries both bragging rights and important league implications.
For Kansas, the sweep reinforces their strong position in the Big 12, while Kansas State will look to refine execution ahead of postseason play.
Implications & Next Matches
- Kansas State will face an away match against the Houston Cougars on November 19.
- Kansas, with three regular season matches remaining, is tied for second in the Big 12, while Kansas State is in eighth place.
- K-State’s record against ranked teams this season stands at 3‑5, highlighting areas for improvement.
The Dillons Sunflower Showdown between Kansas State and Kansas showcased high-level skill and intense rivalry energy.
Despite standout individual performances from K-State, the Jayhawks displayed superior consistency across hitting, blocking, and critical moments.
With the regular season approaching its final stretch, both teams will leverage lessons from this matchup to prepare for postseason competition.
The rivalry remains fierce, ensuring future showdowns will continue to thrill fans across the Sunflower State.