WKU Volleyball swept the Belmont Bruins 3-0 on Aug. 29, in E.A. Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers now hold a record of 3-1 on the season.
WKU won the first set of the game 25-7. The Hilltoppers grabbed ten kills with a .625 hitting percentage.
In the second set, the Hilltoppers and Bruins traded points early, until the sixth point when WKU began to pull away. Ultimately, WKU claimed the set at 25-11.
WKU found their second set win with another ten kills, but with a lower hitting percentage of .286 compared to Belmont’s -.200.
The Hilltoppers entered the third set of the match up 2-0. WKU proceeded to steal 14 kills and capitalized on Belmont’s 7 attack errors. The team posted a set hitting percentage of .379.
Belmont fought closely with the Hilltoppers, but WKU was victorious in the end with a set score of 25-18 to close the match.
Overall, the Hilltoppers acquired 31 assists and 34 kills. On average, their hitting percentage across the three sets was .409.
Fifth year outside hitter Paige Briggs led the Hilltoppers with 11 kills. Redshirt sophomore setter Callie Bauer also had a strong game with 24 assists.
Redshirt sophomore defensive specialist Kelsey Brangers, the team’s only Bowling Green local, led the team in digs, with a total of 9.
Additionally, Redshirt freshman Logan Grevengoed stood out for the Hilltoppers by frequently working around the block and putting up four blocks of her own.
Despite losing five seniors over the offseason, including Lauren Matthews and Katie Isenbarger, the Hilltoppers adjusted quickly to change with each player, new or returning, stepping into their respective roles.
“It’s been interesting to watch how quickly this team has connected with one another,” said Head Coach Travis Hudson. “The culture of our returning players is really strong. They know the message that needs to be sent.”
Next, WKU will compete in the Penn State Invitational, Sept. 1-2 in University Park, Pennsylvania. The Hilltoppers will face Colgate University in their first game of the invitational, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m. CST.
Sports reporter Molly St. Clair can be reached at [email protected]
