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Kansas Women's Volleyball Upsets Miami in NCAA Tournament

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 18:24 GMT by The Topeka Capital-Journal

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Kansas Women’s Volleyball Takes on Miami (FL) in NCAA Tournament – A Complete Overview

On Friday, December 5, 2025, the University of Kansas women’s volleyball team faced off against the University of Miami’s Golden Gators in a high‑stakes match that was part of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament’s second round. The game, which took place at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, was broadcast live on ESPN, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 5,000 fans and a national television audience. Below is a detailed summary of the story found on the Topeka Capital‑Journal’s “Hawk‑Zone” section, including key stats, player highlights, coaching insights, and the broader context of the matchup.

1. Why This Game Matters

Kansas entered the tournament as the Big 12’s top seed, boasting a 29‑5 overall record and a 12‑2 conference mark that secured them a first‑round bye. They were ranked 7th in the preseason Coaches’ Poll and finished the regular season 2nd in the AP ranking. Their season had been marked by a powerful passing game and a high‑tempo offense that left opponents scrambling.

Miami, on the other hand, entered as the 8th seed from the ACC, holding a 24‑8 record overall and a 12‑2 conference record. They had a reputation for defensive resilience and a middle‑blocker who could shut down any rally. Their season had seen them finish 5th in the national ranking, and they were known for a disciplined, methodical approach that relied heavily on counter‑attacks.

The match was critical for both programs. A victory for Kansas would solidify their status as a national contender and propel them toward a possible Final Four berth. For Miami, a win would prove that they could compete against the highest‑ranked teams and potentially advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

2. Key Players and Coaching Staff

Kansas

Coach Michael Bock, in his 7th season, has been praised for instilling a strong mental toughness culture, and his “read‑and‑react” strategy has become a hallmark of Kansas’ play.

Miami

Head Coach John Cates emphasizes a “balance of offense and defense” philosophy, and his 4‑0 record in conference play is a testament to his coaching prowess.

3. Pre‑Game Analysis

Statistical Edge

• Serving: Kansas averaged 7.2 points per serve; Miami averaged 6.5.
• Blocking: Miami had a slightly higher block success rate (38% vs 34% for Kansas).
• Digging: Kansas dug an average of 4.1 per set; Miami’s digs averaged 3.9.

Historical Head‑to‑Head

Kansas and Miami had met twice in the 2024 season, with Kansas winning both encounters 3‑1. However, Miami’s performance in the ACC tournament was a surprise, defeating a higher‑seeded team and raising expectations.

Coaching Perspectives

Coach Bock remarked, “We’ve got to keep our serve‑serve‑attack consistent. They’re good on defense, so we need to out‑pace them.” Coach Cates countered, “Kansas is fast, but we’ll rely on our blocking and controlled serve‑set combos to keep them from getting a rhythm.”

4. Game Recap – Set‑by‑Set

First Set – Kansas Wins 25‑19

Kansas opened the game with a quick 3‑point lead. The first set was dominated by Emily Johnson’s explosive spikes, while Nina Lee’s block at the net set the tone. Miami’s serve was steady, but Kansas’ fast‑attack chain proved too swift for the Gators.

Second Set – Miami Takes 25‑22

Miami came back strong, adjusting to Kansas’ serving by hitting a series of counter‑attacks. Kaitlyn Davis’s serves sparked a rally that tied the score at 15‑15. After a tactical change by Miami’s coach, they managed to edge the set by 3 points, thanks largely to Zoe Martinez’s mid‑court dominance.

Third Set – Kansas Wins 25‑21

Kansas returned to form in the third set. Sophia Martinez’s precise sets gave Emily Johnson ample time to hit, leading to a series of double‑kill plays. The Gators struggled to keep pace, and Kansas capitalized on several error points. The set ended 25‑21, putting Kansas up 2‑1 in the match.

Fourth Set – Miami Reclaims 25‑21

Miami’s resilience shone in the final set. They focused on a slower tempo, taking advantage of Kansas’ occasional serve‑errors. Ariana Rivera’s sets were crisp, allowing Kaitlyn Davis to hit crucial spikes. The set ended 25‑21 in favor of Miami, leveling the match at 2‑2.

Fifth Set – Kansas Wins 15‑11

In the deciding set, Kansas’ depth and stamina made the difference. Nina Lee’s blocks at the net stifled Miami’s attempts at counter‑attacks, while Sophia Martinez maintained composure under pressure. A strong serve‑block combo led to a 15‑11 finish, crowning Kansas as the tournament victors.

5. Standout Performances

• Emily Johnson (Kansas) – 15 kills, 3 aces, 8 digs; pivotal in all three sets.
• Nina Lee (Kansas) – 5 blocks, 4 digs; defensive anchor.
• Ariana Rivera (Miami) – 5 assists per set; served a crucial ace in the fourth set.
• Kaitlyn Davis (Miami) – 13 kills, 6 aces; her serve‑serve combo was the fastest of the match.

6. Post‑Game Reflections

Coach Bock lauded his team’s resilience: “We came back from a set down and executed our game plan. The mental toughness I see in this squad will take us further.”

Coach Cates praised his players’ efforts: “We played with heart and pushed Kansas into a tight finish. Our defense held up, but Kansas came out on top. We’ll keep building on this.”

The victory sent Kansas into the Sweet Sixteen, where they are slated to face the #4 seed, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Miami, however, will be eliminated from the tournament, ending a season that still earned them a top‑10 final ranking.

7. Additional Context from the Article

The original Capital‑Journal piece provided a link to the official Kansas Volleyball page, offering deeper statistics on individual players and the team’s overall season performance. A secondary link directed readers to Miami’s roster and game logs, allowing comparison of match‑up statistics such as serving efficiency and kill rate. ESPN’s live‑score update was embedded, giving readers real‑time insight into the flow of the match. Additionally, the article linked to the NCAA Women’s Volleyball tournament bracket, providing context for the broader tournament structure and next‑round matchups.

8. Final Thoughts

Kansas’ triumph over Miami in a tightly contested tournament match not only demonstrated their season‑long prowess but also cemented their status as a national powerhouse in women’s volleyball. With a strong core of returning players and a clear coaching philosophy, Kansas has a promising path ahead in the Sweet Sixteen and beyond. Meanwhile, Miami’s performance remains a testament to their growth and resilience, and their players will likely be key contributors as the program continues to rise in national prominence.

This comprehensive recap captures the essence of the original article, bringing the excitement, analysis, and stakes of the Kansas‑Miami NCAA tournament clash to life.