THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2012
VOLLEYBALL
PAGE 7B
Dream season ends,but Kansas remains hopeful
MAX GOODWIN
mgoodwin@kansan.com
Kansas volleyball's historymaking season skidded to a halt Saturday after a three-to-one loss to Wichita State in the second round of the NCAA tournament at Allen Fieldhouse. It was the Jayhawks' first NCAA tournament appearance since 2005.
This year's squad finished the season as the winningest team in program history, with a team record of 17 road victories. After winning Saturday's first set against Wichita State, the Jayhawks were just two sets away from being the first Kansas volleyball team to reach the Sweet 16.
"They were a fun group to coach," Bechard said after the game. "They did a lot of things for the first time."
For the players, Saturday's loss might have been especially devastating because it took place at home in Allen Fieldhouse, where the team hosted its first NCAA tournament regional event in the venue's history.
Senior middle blocker Taylor Toilefree who grew up in Lawrence, said it meant a lot to see the town rally around her team this season.
"I hope that everyone who was here can appreciate the work that we put in," Tolefree said as tears flooded her eyes.
The emotion in Tolefree's voice was enough to show how important this game was to her, echoing the feelings of many Kansas volleyball fans. There were 4,478 fans in attendance, the largest crowd of any of the tournament's regional sites last weekend. The captivated Kansas spectators cheered on every rally.
"This group put a great deal into the last four months," Bechard said. "We are excited about many things we did this year and what the future holds."
Bechard remains optimistic about next season, hoping the team can build on its recent success.
This year's history-making season could help the program generate interest in volleyball throughout the Lawrence area and the region.
so special."
The Jayhawks will return with most of their team intact next year, but the graduation of seniors Morgan Boub and Taylor Tolefree, a four-time Academic All-Big 12 first team member, will leave a major hole in the team identity that was built this season.
"We think we should be the focal point for volleyball development in this region," Bechard said. "Hopefully, there's some people that came and saw some females really competing hard with grace, dignity, effort and energy, and I think that's what makes our sport
The tournament loss weighed heavily on Tolefree. She struggled not to cry as she sat between teary-eyed teammates Catherine Carmichael and Caroline Jarmoc during a post-game press conference. Carmichael and Jarmoc will have another opportunity next year, but for Tolefree, it was the end of her four years as a Jayhawk. The tears did not stop as she stood and walked out of the room.
"There's a lot leaving right there in that Tayler Toolefreek. Ray Beachard said as Toolefreek stepped out of the media room doorway and let the door fall shut behind her. "Nobody defines our program like that kid does."
- Edited by Joanna Hlavacek
ASHLEIGH LEE/KANSAN
Junior defensive specialist Brianne Riley tries to keep the ball alive during the game against Wichita State University.
ASHLEIGH LEE/KANSAN
Junior setter Erin McNorton sets the ball up for her teammate, junior middle blocker Caroline Jarmoc to hit over the net during the game. The Jayhawks season came to an end, losing 3 sets to 1 to the Shockers.
ASHLEIGH LEE/KANSAN
Junior middle blocker Caroline Jarmoc spikes the ball during Saturday's game against Wichita State University at Allen Fieldhouse where the Jayhawks lost to the Shockers.
HANNAH WISE/KANSAN
Junior defensive specialist Brianne Riley waits during serve-recieve against Wichita State in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
HANNAH WISE/KANSAN
Junior setter Erin McNorton back sets to sophomore outside hitter Sara McClinton. McNorton was left with fewer options than usual because of the Jayhawks' poor performance passing.
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