RESULT

Kansas City 3, Saint Louis 1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19)

Billiken Invitational

Friday, Sept. 14 | St. Louis, Mo. (Chaifetz Pavilion)

THE BASICS

• Cayce Chaykowsky collected a career- and match-high 19 digs for Saint Louis, but it wasn't enough as Kansas City posted a 3-1 win (25-17, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19) over the Billikens Friday night on day one of the Billiken Invitational at Chaifetz Pavilion.

• Kansas City improved to 8-4, while SLU fell to 1-9.

FIRST SET

Following two early ties, Kansas City took the lead for good at 5-4. A 9-2 run gave the Kangaroos an 18-10 cushion on their way to a 1-0 match advantage.

SECOND SET

Saint Louis scored the first four points and stretched the margin to nine, 14-5. Kansas City gradually crept back in and cut the SLU lead to 20-18. A 4-1 run put the Billikens on the brink of a win, but Kansas City fought off four set points before SLU could put it away.

THIRD SET

Kansas City went on top 9-2 and led throughout, but Saint Louis made the Kangaroos earn the frame. The Billikens chipped away and narrowed the gap to 22-19 before UMKC regained command.

FOURTH SET

SLU rallied from a 3-0 deficit and led 7-6, but an 8-1 Kansas City flurry gave the Kangaroos a 14-8 cushion. The Billikens drew to within four at 18-14 but would get no closer.

NOTABLE

• Maya Taylor collected a team-high 15 kills.

• Sien Gallop registered a 10-kill, 11-dig double-double.

• Lauren Mershon had seven kills and three blocks, including two solos.

• Isabelle Walsh tallied 11 digs.

• Kennedy Cordia recorded 36 assists.

• Taylor, Gallop and Juliana Phillips had two service aces apiece.

UP NEXT

Saint Louis plays twice on the final day of the Billiken Invitational Saturday, taking on Murray State at noon and UNLV at 7 p.m.