Western Kentucky Volleyball played in the Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic, Sep. 15th-16th in a home tournament hosted at E.A. Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers took on Ball State, East Tennessee State University and Western Michigan and defeated each opponent.
After going 3-0 this weekend, the team stands with a 10-4 regular season record. Next up, the Hilltoppers will begin to move into conference play as they are riding a five-game winning streak.
Game 1
WKU took on Ball State early Friday afternoon, winning the game 3-1. In the first set, the Tops won 25-16 with 13 total kills. The second set was also taken by Western Kentucky as they won 25-14. Ball State was able to gain a set win in the third, as they won 25-23. Ultimately, the fourth set became the final with WKU procuring a 25-15 score.
The Hilltoppers played an overall successful game with a .333 hitting percentage, compared to Ball State’s .153%. The team was led in kills (19) and aces (3) by fifth year outside hitter Paige Briggs. Defensively, the redshirt sophomore setter Callie Bauer gained 44 assists and sophomore defensive specialist Abby Schaefer recorded 19 digs.
Game 2
ETSU was swept Friday evening as WKU obtained a .327 hitting percentage. The first set score was 25-17 as the Hilltoppers stole 12 kills. The next set was won 25-18 with an impressive 17 kills. The last set locked in the second victory of the tournament, ending the game 3-0.
Briggs led the team, yet again in kills (13) and blocks (2). Bauer also led the team with 38 assists.
Game 3
The final game against Western Michigan ended 3-1, completing the Hilltoppers sweep of the tournament. WKU claimed the first and second set (25-17 and 25-23), but the Broncos fought to earn a win in the third set (25-19), which brought up the fourth set. In the last set, Paige Briggs scored the final point on a kill, ending the match with a WKU win.
The Tops concluded the match with a .329 hitting percentage and 72 total kills. Briggs was a clear leader in the game with 35 total kills and 36.5 points. Schaefer once again played competitively with 23 digs.
With the WKU volleyball team on a hot streak, the team will return to the court Friday, Sep. 22 at 6 p.m. CT in E.A. Diddle Arena to face UTEP.
Sports reporter Shelby Huelsman can be reached at [email protected].
