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March 4, 2025KANSAS CITY, Mo.

Sundell, K-State begin postseason trek

Serena Sundell paced the Wildcats with 21 points on Thursday

Serena Sundell paced the Wildcats with 21 points on Thursday. (Photo courtesy Kansas State Athletics)

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Kansas State held off a pesky Central Florida team in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament en route to an 80-65 win at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

Despite a push from the Wildcats in the third quarter opening up a 16-point lead, the Knights clawed back. Early in the fourth quarter, the K-State advantage was reduced to seven points.

That's when Serena Sundell took over.

The Maryville native had just two points at halftime, and began to gain some traction in the third quarter. But when her team needed her most, the First Team All-Big 12 performer broke out.

"I was trying to get my mind there," Sundell said. "Once I started finding my way, maybe shot three or four that went down, I was like 'ok.' Then I settled down a little bit."

Sundell scored 12 of her team-high 21 points in the fourth quarter allowing Kansas State to put away UCF for good.

Sundell was named to the all-conference first team for the second consecutive season earlier this week. She says there is a confidence factor and responsibility that comes with the postseason accolades.

"You have to know that your teammates are going to count on you. You have to take some of the load, especially not having (Ayoka Lee) right now. I just know that that's going to fall on me, whether that's leadership or shots. Whatever it may be I know that I have that load, but I've proven throughout the season that I'm able to carry it. You just have to remind yourself that as the game goes on."

Sundell tacked on four assists to her stat line pushing her total for the year to 224. She's just six shy of setting the school record for assists in a season.

In addition to the individual mark she's leaving on the program, Sundell and Kansas State still have team goals ahead of them this weekend and beyond.