Wednesday, November 10, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section A · Page 11
'Hawks hunting for tournament boost, victory against Sooners
By Shawn Hutchinson sports@kansan.com Kansan sportswriter
If their last meeting with Oklahoma is any indication, the Jayhawks should be pretty confident heading into tonight's match.
The Kansas volleyball team, 16-9 overall and 7-7 in the Big 12 Conference, plays the Sooners for the second time this season at 7 tonight at the Horesei Family Athletics Center. The Jayhaws hit a record .377 against Oklahoma on Oct. 6, pummeling the Sooners for a 3-4 victory in Norman, Okla.
In that match, the Jayhawks dropped the first game 15-3 then bounced back and took the next three games 15-8, 15-9 and 15-2. But Kansas won't be taking Oklahoma lightly.
"Apparently they are improving, and they have been playing better," said Kansas senior outside hitter Mary Beth Albrecht. "We have improved as well, so we expect a fight."
and 3-11 in the Big 12, but the Sooners have stepped up their play lately. Oklahoma swept Missouri 3-0 a week ago, then took then-No. 12 Texas to the wire Saturday before losing a 3-2 match in Austin, Texas.
Oklahoma comes into the match 8-16 overall
If you chart their last five matches, they've matched in Kentucky.
"If you chart their last five won two and played ranked opponents very tough," said Kansas coach Ray Bechard. "We know that they're playing better than the last time we faced them, and we're not about to overlook anybody."
A win against Oklahoma
A Win against Oklahoma would further boost Kansas' NCAA Tournament aspirations. The first-place finisher in the Big 12 will get an automatic berth, while the rest of the teams will hope for at-large bids.
The Big 12 sent six teams to the tournament last season. However, Bechard said a berth in the tournament won't depend necessarily on
where Kansas finishes in the Big 12 standings. Currently, the Jayhawks are in sole possession of seventh place in the conference.
"I think we feel that we're still in the hunt," Beard said. "I think it's more about your conference record than where you finish in the conference standings. A .500 finish would get you some consideration, but an 11-9 or a 12-8 record would probably do it."
That means the Jayhawks need at least three more Big 12 wins to get consideration. After Oklahoma, the Jayhawks face four ranked opponents in their last five matches, including No. 23 Baylor, No. 15 Texas A&M, No. 19 Kansas State and No. 22 Colorado.
One key statistic in that sequence of numbers — the Jayhawks have never beaten a ranked opponent.
we're just trying to stay focused on one game at a time," Albrecht said. "If we focus from game to game, everything should turn out well."
— Edited by Katie Holman
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Jayhawks seek elusive road win, pride
The Jayhawks, 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the Big 12, are playing for that elusive road win, and they're playing for pride too.
When Kansas flattened Baylor last week, rushing the ball for 372 yards, it was two seniors who challenged the Jayhawks to
"It helps to have something to play for." Allen said.
the past two games.
" W h e n they're 4-6.
it's nice to see them practicing the way th'
It's nice to have something to play for in late November even if isn't a bowel berth.
By Mike Miller
sports@kansan.com
Kansan sportswriter
But that's fine. They're trying to get some things accomplished," he said.
EVERYTHING BUT ICE
perform the way they did. Guard Dameon Hunt and center Chris Enneking took center stage last week, and they've been the vocal leaders at practice. They've set the tone for this week by ignoring the Jayhawks' record and focusing
Team still practicing hard in expectation of winning last two
way they are. Allen,
The 'Hawks were thinking about playing and beating Oklahoma State last week, just moments after the Baylor victory. Linebacker Tim Bowers made that clear by talking about team goals and team pride.
If Kansas beats Oklahoma State on Saturday, it will be the first road conference victory of the Terry Allen era. In fact, it would be the second road win for Allen against any team since he's been at Kansas. His only win on the road was a four-overtime 39-37 win against Alabama-Birmingham last season.
the way they are," Allen said.
"We want to go out there and win another game," Bowers said. "You know we still have the same goals that we want to accomplish for the season."
Though it wouldn't be the most monumental win in school history, it would be a start. Last week's 45-10 victory against Baylor was Allen's first against a Big 12 Conference Texas school. So it could be back-to-back weeks of landmark wins.
Edited by Allan Davis
"Was it a stretch last week?" Allen said. "Yeah. Is it a stretch this week? Maybe.
Winning on the road has managed to elude the Hawks, which has frustrated them.
"Some road games we would play well," said nose tackle John Williams. "A&M was pretty close. We played well, it's just that Lady Luck needs to roll our way."
Twice last year, the Jayhawks surrendered fourth-quarter leads and lost on the road — a 31-24 loss at Baylor and a 23-20 loss at Iowa State. This year's road losses haven't been quite as close, but they've been just as frustrating.
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Veterans Day
The University Community is cordially invited to the Second Annual Veterans' Appreciation reception. To Honor Veterans in the KU Community Sponsored by the Office of Veterans Services in the Office of the University Registrar.
Guest Speaker: Congressman Dennis Moore
Free Refreshments Thursday, November 11, 1999
2-4 p.m.
Big 12 Room, Kansas Union University of Kansas
Juniors & Seniors:
It's Not Too Late To Turn In Your Application
Each year, Golden Key National Honor Society recognizes the top 15 percent of juniors and seniors in all fields of study—those who have maintained high standards of academic achievement.
Golden Key awards its members, not only for their scholastic excellence, but also for their demonstrated leadership and community service. The Society has awarded more than two million dollars in both undergraduate and graduate scholarships since its
undergraduate and graduate scholarships since its founding in 1977.
Golden Key Lifetime Benefits
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Be sure to send in your member profile form to the Golden Key International Headquarters as soon as possible to begin taking advantage of these membership benefits.
Induction Ceremony: November 17 at 7 p.m.
Kansas Union Ballroom
For more information:
http://gknhs.gsu.edu
1-800-377-2401