Sept. 23, 2005

By Mark Potter Kansas State Collegian

Manhattan, KS (U-WIRE) -- After losing their only match of the season Sept. 10, to No. 5 Minnesota, the No. 17 Wildcats have rebounded by sweeping three consecutive matches against Oklahoma, Texas Tech and South Dakota State.

But to beat the undefeated and 8th-ranked Missouri Tigers (9-0, 3-0) Saturday in Columbia, Mo., senior outside hitter Agata Rezende said K-State (11-1, 2-0) must play much better than it has recently.

"We did not have a good match against South Dakota State because we played very bad in our third game," Rezende said. "Emotionally, we need to get stronger."

K-State, which swept Missouri in both matches played last season, is not taking the Tigers lightly.

Coach Suzie Fritz, who is six wins shy of passing Mary Phyl Dwight (107) for second in career wins in K-State history, said the Tigers have something her team needs more of: experience.

"Everyone that played for them last year, for the most part - I think they only lost one player who contributed for them last year - is back," Fritz said. "Now, they are more mature and more experienced, and you can't make up for that."

One of Missouri's experienced players is senior setter Lindsey Hunter, who is the Tigers' career leader in assists with 5,015. Hunter was named Big 12 Volleyball Player of the Week on Sept. 5.

Fritz, in her fifth season as K-State's coach, said the Tigers are also a very efficient volleyball team.

"They don't make a lot of errors," she said. "They just know how to respond in difficult situations."

The Wildcats and Tigers are two of six Big 12 Conference teams ranked in the Top 25.

Rezende said the conference schedule will be tough and getting road wins is important.

"Especially for me, it is very hard to get a win on the road because we don't have the support of our fans, which are especially amazing here at K-State," Rezende said. "But, every time we get a win on the road, it is pleasurable for us."

Fritz said winning on the road is what separates good teams from the great ones.

"It's the difference between being in the top three in the conference and the top six," Fritz said. "Not that it is easier to play at home, but there is a comfort level to playing in front of your own fans and having their support. Going into a foreign environment and trying to emulate the things you do everyday in practice is difficult."

Sophomore libero Angie Lastra, who was the 2004 Big 12 Libero of the Year, said the secret to beating the Tigers is consistency and focus.

"I think we're confident about our abilities, but we need to concentrate and keep focused and respect all the teams we play," Lastra said. "Every game on the road is different, but we need to work hard. To beat (Missouri), we are going to have to play consistently for the whole game."

(C) 2004 Kansas State Collegian via U-WIRE