Wichita State and Rice University are about as evenly matched as two volleyball teams can be — but so far this season, the Owls have the Shockers’ number.
When the teams met on Oct. 6 in Charles Koch Arena, the Owls scored a narrow five-set victory. On Friday night in Houston, another barnburner ended with the same result. Rice won, 3-2 (20-25), (25-22), (25-22), (22-25) (16-14).
The loss almost certainly eliminates Wichita State from American Athletic Conference regular season championship contention. The Shockers remain tied for third place in the AAC at 9-4. To move up in the standings, Wichita State would need to win out and hope Rice and the University of South Florida, both at 11-2, lose all or their remaining three games.