WKU Volleyball began 2023 conference play with 3-1 victory over the University of Texas El Paso Miners on Sept. 22 in E.A Diddle Arena. The Hilltoppers now have a 11-4 season record.

1st Set

WKU took a quick lead in the first set following a UTEP service error. However, the Hilltoppers and Miners battled for the lead for the duration of the set. Tension grew as both teams tied at match point. 

Ultimately, UTEP won the set 26-24 to take the lead in the match.

As a team, WKU had a .333 hitting percentage compared to UTEP’s .206. Both teams had four serving errors and 13 kills.

2nd Set

In the second set, the Hilltoppers grabbed the lead early. Once again, the competitors fought closely for each point, but WKU was able to pull away. WKU won the set 25-18 to even out the match at 1-1.

WKU posted 16 kills and a .379 hitting percentage.

3rd Set

Heading into the third set, Junior right side hitter Kenadee Coyle led the Hilltoppers with a .625 hitting percentage, 16 attacks, 10 kills and 11 points.

WKU fell behind early in the third set with UTEP’s largest lead at 6 points. Nevertheless, the Hilltoppers pushed back to win the set 26-24, putting them up 2-1 in the match.

Within the third set, the Hilltoppers acquired 16 kills, 30 attack attempts and a .400 hitting percentage.

4th Set

In the fourth set, WKU swiftly took the advantage with a score of 6-1 at the first timeout. The Hilltoppers held their largest lead of the set at eleven points. WKU won the set 25-14 to secure the match win.

WKU had a fourth set hitting percentage of .469 compared to UTEP’s .273. WKU also put up 18 kills with UTEP at eight.

Cumulatively, WKU had a .397 hitting percentage, 63 kills and 121 total attacks.

Individually, Coyle was a key player for WKU with a .621 hitting percentage, 19 points and 18 digs. 

“When she’s [Coyle] good, we’re great,” Head Coach Travis Hudson said.

Additionally, Briggs was the point leader for the Hilltoppers with 20.5, also grabbing 18 kills. 

Sophomore defensive specialist Abby Schaefer attained twelve digs with redshirt sophomore setter Callie Bauer collecting 46 assists.

WKU will meet UTEP again on Sept. 23 in E.A Diddle Arena at 12p.m. CST.

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