Mathewson Leads K-State Into Match With Sooners

Senior libero Lauren Mathewson is in her fourth year with the Kansas State volleyball program. And throughout her career, she's made herself known as one of the best defensive players in the Big 12, perhaps even the best defender in history of the K-State program.



But in the midst of the Wildcats' 3-0 sweep of Texas A&M in College Station on Saturday, she felt something peculiar.

"I've never felt like more a part of a team than I did that game in my four years here," she said after practice on Monday. "It was an awesome experience."

That night, the Wildcats made some noise within the Big 12 conference. The win secured them a spot in the crowded five-way tie for second place in the conference, and sent them home with an immense amount of pride and confidence.

Now, shifting their focus to this week, the Wildcats are preparing for an even larger opportunity sitting in front of them. It begins Wednesday night when K-State begins a two-match home stand with a 7 p.m. tilt against an Oklahoma team sharing that second-place spot with the Wildcats.

Saturday, K-State hosts Texas, also currently tied for second place.

But head coach Suzie Fritz doesn't look too far into the future. She's not concerned about the Big 12 implications of this week — as always, her focus is narrow.

"Honestly we are focused on Oklahoma and only Oklahoma," Fritz said. "I am aware of the fact that we have two in a row at home, but we haven't really looked forward. I don't think we have the luxury of that."

It's clear, however, if the Wildcats continue to play like they did against the Aggies on Saturday, the rest will take care of itself.

The Wildcats played perhaps their best match of the season against Texas A&M, led by another un-freshman-like performance by freshman middle blocker Kaitlynn Pelger. The Olathe South native recorded another dominant performance, tallying 12 kills and hitting .370 on the night.

It was a night that has become typical for the breakout freshman, as it was her fourth consecutive match recording double-digit
kills and a hitting percentage over .350.

There's no sign of her slowing down, and she said she hopes to keep the hot hand for this week's home stand.

"We have a really big opportunity," Pelger said. "If we play like we did on Saturday, we should get two."
Oklahoma (11-5 3-2 Big 12) enters the match after defeating Baylor on the road in four sets. Junior outside hitter Suzy

Boulavsky, who last week recorded 17 kills against Baylor, and is averaging 3.4 kills per set, which leads the Sooners on offense.
Oklahoma has also fared well in road games this season, compiling a 5-1 record away from Norman.

It's still early in the Big 12 season, and while the implications of this week are apparent, the Wildcats are focused on what has made them successful thus far, concentrating on their side of the net.

"In the league right now, it's anybody's game," Kathleen Ludwig said. "I think that we are focused on doing what we do on our side and playing well over time and not underestimating or overestimating anyone. We are just trying to go and play how we play and we are excited to do it at home."