A knee injury suffered earlier this week has likely ended the season for senior setter Kali Eaken, a tough blow for a Wichita State volleyball team in the midst of scrapping for a NCAA Tournament berth.
But the Shockers were pleasantly surprised this past weekend with the emergence of redshirt freshman Kora Kauling at the position. After running a 6-2 system for much of the season, WSU switched to a 5-1 with Kauling serving as the main setter.
The results were encouraging, as Kauling helped direct an offense that posted a season-best .292 hitting percentage in a sweep over East Carolina, then she recorded a career-best 51 assists in a five-set thriller against Cincinnati.