Wichita State Defeated Memphis in Conference Opener

The Shockers secured a four-set victory at home to open their American Conference schedule.

Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Volleyball

Wichita State Defeated Memphis in Conference Opener

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Wichita State defeated Memphis 3-1 at Charles Koch Arena on September 25, 2026. The win improved the team's conference record to 1-0.

Why it matters

The victory marks a successful start to conference play for Wichita State. It provides early momentum as the team seeks to build on its 4-9 overall record.

Wichita State recorded 54 kills with a .240 hitting percentage compared to Memphis' .170 hitting percentage. The match featured 22 ties and nine lead changes before ending with set scores of 25-20, 25-22, 21-25, and 25-21.

The players

Wichita State

The university is a public research institution located in Wichita, Kansas, that competes in the American Athletic Conference.

McKenzie Jones

She is a key offensive contributor for the Wichita State volleyball team who recorded 13 kills in the recent match.

The details

Wichita State utilized a balanced offensive attack to overcome Memphis, while the visiting team struggled with attack errors during the decisive fourth set. McKenzie Jones led the effort with 13 kills, supported by Olivia Cohee, Janaya Weitkemper, and Jenna Cubbage.

Timeline

  1. The match took place on September 25, 2026.

  2. Wichita State faces South Florida on September 27, 2026, at noon.

Season Trajectory

This victory establishes an early winning pace for Wichita State as they navigate the American Conference schedule. Establishing a positive conference record is a critical step for maintaining competitive standing against league rivals throughout the remainder of the season.

Wichita State successfully moved to 1-0 in conference play, establishing immediate positioning in the American Athletic Conference standings. The team's balanced output of 54 kills suggests a stable offensive rotation for upcoming matchups.

The takeaway

Maintaining offensive consistency through a balanced hitting attack proved essential for the Shockers to overcome competitive pressure. Consistency in these early conference matches remains the primary factor for teams looking to secure a favorable seed.

What happens next

Wichita State is scheduled to play South Florida at home on September 27, 2026, starting at noon.

Further reading

For more updates on the team, visit Volleyball.

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