Arthur H. Trickett-Wile

WKU Hilltoppers break before their volleyball game against the Ole Miss Rebels on the evening of Sept. 10, 2021, at Diddle Arena. WKU lost 3-1.

WKU Volleyball claimed a huge win over no. 12 Marquette University Friday. The Hilltoppers earned two wins of three games in the Dayton Invitational in Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 25-26. The Hilltoppers faced Marquette University, University of Dayton and Drake University, respectively.

WKU now stands with a 2-1 record after opening their season at the invitational.

Game 1

The Hilltoppers began the tournament by upsetting the No. 12 ranked team in the AVCA preseason rankings, Marquette University, 3-1 on Friday. Their one set loss came in the second frame.

WKU ended with an average hitting percentage of .242% compared to Marquette’s .137%. Overall, the team compiled 55 kills.

Both freshman middle hitter Gabby Weihe and junior outside hitter Kaylee Cox gained their first career starts as a Hilltopper. Additionally, redshirt freshman outside and middle hitter Logan Grevengoed and redshirt sophomore defensive specialist Kelsey Brangers returned to the court after battling injuries during the 2022 season.

Game 2

Following a successful day game, WKU fell to the University of Dayton on a 3-0 decision Friday night.

WKU totaled 27 hits and a .000 hitting percentage for the match. Fifth year outside hitter Paige Briggs led the Hilltoppers with nine kills at the net followed by Grevengoed’s six.

Senior middle hitter Shannon Keck grabbed three blocks for the team. Additionally, redshirt sophomore setter Callie Bauer picked up 23 assists and six digs over three sets.

Lastly, Freshman middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele had an exciting day as she made her Hilltopper debut.

Game 3

On day two of the invitational, WKU bounced back by sweeping the Drake Bulldogs, claiming all three sets. 

WKU racked in 47 kills, 44 assists and four aces. The team finished the three sets with a cumulative .337 hitting percentage. 

Grevengoed and Bauer both led the game with nine kills and two blocks each.

The Hilltoppers will return to Diddle Arena for the first home game this season on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m CST, facing off against the Belmont University Bruins. 

Sports reporter Molly St. Clair can be reached at [email protected].