WKU volleyball sweeps FAU to extend winning streak to 14

Lucas Aulbach

History suggested the Lady Toppers would beat Florida Atlantic on Saturday. WKU had never lost to FAU in 11 previous tries. 

History proved to be true as the Lady Toppers (17-1, 4-0 Sun Belt Conference) defeated FAU in three sets on Saturday to improve to 12-0 over FAU and extend their winning streak the 14 matches.

“We came out and played very, very well early in the match and really took control of things in Game One,” Head Coach Travis Hudson said. “The match got a little sloppy from there, but in the end we found a way to get it done when it mattered.”

Junior outside hitter Jordyn Skinner led WKU with 14 kills, while setter Melanie Stutsman served up a match-leading 23 assists.

The Lady Toppers were efficient on offense, with senior middle hitter Lindsay Williams and Stutsman each recording hitting percentages of at least .500. WKU finished with a .284 team percentage while holding FAU to .076.

Despite their success on offense, Hudson said he still wants to see more improvement.

“We still have so much room for growth on offense, but our defense is still playing really well,” he said. “When you hold teams to under .100, you’re going to have a good night.”

The Lady Toppers were also successful in the back row. Sophomore defensive specialist Ashley Potts led the team with 10 digs, while Skinner had nine and Stutsman added eight to WKU’s total of 32. 

Skinner and Williams each also had four blocks to WKU’s solid defensive effort.

The Lady Toppers will now return home for a match on Tuesday against Middle Tennessee. 

Hudson said WKU is going to play its rival like any other match.

“All 16 games in conference count the same,” he said. “We got three and four today so now we can turn our sights on Middle. That’s number five.”