Broncbusters end conference losing streak

Pratt, KS-Everything seemed so promising. 

On opening night, 2016, Garden City roared to a three-set victory over Butler led by Shaney Tiumalu's 14 kills. It was a fantastic start following a 6-34 campaign in 2015. 

Amazingly, that was the Broncbusters last conference win until Wednesday night. 

Megan Besecker had 18 kills, and Bailey Martinez recorded 59 digs as Garden City put an end to a 12-match, conference skid with a five-set victory over Pratt 23-25, 25-14, 25-15, 21-25 and 15-8. 

"I'm very happy for the girls," Head Coach Jacquelynne Matula said. "The girls responded very well tonight."

Garden City, who improved to 6-23 overall and 2-12 in conference, won for the second time in three matches, and now has a chance to win back-to-back matches for the first time all season, Friday at Frank Phillips. 

"These girls will figure it out," Matula said. "It's only a matter of time."

After falling down 1-0, the Broncbusters fought back to take the next two sets, giving them a chance to wrap it up in four. 

"It comes down to us having that killer instinct," Matula said. "We didn't have that in the fourth set."

Pratt snuck out a four-point victory before Garden City closed them out with a seven-point victory in the final frame. 

"I would rather have won the match in four," Matula said. "But we'll take a win in five."

With the loss, Pratt dropped to 8-27 overall and 1-12 in the Jayhawk. The Beavers have dropped five straight and 11 out of their last 12.