WKU Volleyball came out victorious in both games of their weekend series against the 13-14 (8-8) Sam Houston Bearkats by way of a sweep.
It was a big weekend for the Hilltoppers. WKU’s wins this weekend make it 90 straight Conference USA regular season wins and guarantee at least a share of the C-USA regular season title.
GAME ONE
To begin set one neither team was able to pull away until a kill from freshman outside hitter Alivia Skidmore gave the Hilltoppers a 13-10 lead. WKU attempted to put the set away going up 19-15 before the Bearkats went on a four-point run to tie it up 19-19. Despite Sam Houston recovering it was ultimately the swing from Skidmore that helped the Hilltoppers to a 25-22 set one victory with eight kills.
Much like in set one neither team could pull away in the second set as it was all tied up 14-14 late in set two. After multiple attack errors from the Bearkats, WKU pulled away 19-14. It was ultimately the attack errors that paid dividends for WKU as they took the second set 25-20.
The Hilltoppers came out firing in the third set taking an early 9-4 lead. After a quick five-point lead, Sam Houston was unable to recover as the swing was too much with senior outside hitter Kaylee Cox and Skidmore having five kills each. The Hilltoppers did not let up and went on to win set three 25-18 to put away the match.
GAME TWO
In set one, the Hilltoppers had a dominant showing, taking the set 25-11, led by an 8-1 run late. Rightside hitter Kenadee Coyle took over with three kills, and Izzy Van De Wiele added two of her own.
The Hilltoppers started slow in the second set, falling behind 5-1 early. But led by several runs, including a 5-point run late in the set, the Hilltoppers pulled out a 25-18 victory. Skidmore dominated with four kills, along with several kills in a row late in the match that ignited a five-point run.
The third set was back and forth early, but led by six kills from Cox, the Hilltoppers went on several runs, including two separate three-point runs, to cement the sweep with a 25-20 win.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action next Thursday, Nov. 14 as they host Liberty in the final regular season doubleheader before the C-USA tournament. The first of two games is set for 6 p.m.
Sports Reporter Austin Rice can be reached at [email protected].
Sports Reporter Peyton Reid can be reached at [email protected].
