The Butler volleyball team extended its winning streak to four consecutive matches with a straight-set sweep of Longview (Mo.) in a non-conference meeting on Wednesday night at the Power Plant, winning 25-14, 25-19, 25-14.
Butler, which moved up to No. 13 in this week's NJCAA national rankings, cruised in each set but was especially dominant during a stretch in the second set in which the Grizzlies scored 12 consecutive points. In that set, Butler went from trailing 14-9 to leading 21-14. The Grizzlies then jumped ahead early in the third set to put the match away.
Kailan Kuzmic (Tonganoxie) and Kailee Dudley (Lawrence Free State) powered Butler in the match, as each of the Lawrence-area natives had nine kills apiece and each had a .500 hitting percentage. Kuzmic also had seven assists, four service aces and two solo blocks in the match. Mary Kangas had 20 assists. McKenzie Johnson added six kills for Butler while Lexie Wartick had four. Jessica Schwartz led Butler with 13 digs.
The Grizzlies improve to 15-5 overall, improving to 10 games over .500 for the first time this season. Butler has won 10 of its last 11 matches. The Grizzlies will now take to the road to play in the East Central Invitational in Union, Mo. this weekend. Butler will play Lewis & Clark and East Central on Friday and face Indian Hills (Iowa) and Mineral Area (Mo.) on Saturday. Butler's next home action is one week from tonight when its faces Fort Scott in a conference matching starting at 6:30 p.m.
