Kaitlynn Pelger had nine kills and Courtney Traxson added six, but Poland claimed a 25-17, 25-14, 25-20 victory in K-State’s first match representing the United States at the World University Games in Russia on Monday. Tristan McCarty had 12 digs, while Chelsea Keating added 11. Poland was led by eight kills from Anna Grejman.
The Cats battled Poland in the first set after falling behind 13-7, and scored six of the next seven points on two kills apiece from Traxson and Keating to pull Team USA within 14-13. But, Poland went on a 9-2 run of their own to close out the set. In set #2, Poland would again pull away with a 14-5 spurt after the Americans trailed 11-9. The Cats battled again in the third set following a 13-7 deficit, only to pull as close as 22-19 down the stretch.
K-State will return to the floor as Team USA on Tuesday against the Czech Republic in pool play at 11:00am central. The Czechs were also swept on Monday by host and tournament favorite Russia.
