In their first game of the Conference USA tournament Friday, WKU Volleyball took down the eight seed FIU Panthers.
The Hilltoppers took the last three sets after FIU took set one.
SET ONE
FIU took an early 13-9 lead with multiple attack errors from the Hilltoppers. After a much-needed timeout from WKU, the Hilltoppers tied the set late 20-20 with multiple kills by senior right side Kenadee Coyle. Despite WKU taking a 23-22 lead the Panthers found the holes in the court to take a three-point run and take set one 25-23.
SET TWO
In the second set, WKU struck first and did not look back. The Hilltoppers swing was too much for the Panthers because of five kills from sophomore middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele. WKU took advantage of FIU’s eight attack errors in the set as the Hilltoppers took set two 25-14.
SET THREE
Much like set one, in set three neither team was able to pull away. Going into the media timeout FIU had a 15-14 lead over WKU. After the timeout, the Hilltoppers went on a three-point run led by freshman outside hitter Alivia Skidmore who was able to get a service ace and kill in the run. WKU continued to take advantage of the errors from the Panthers taking a late 23-16 lead. FIU tried getting back into the set, however, WKU took set three 25-18.
SET FOUR
In the fourth set, the Hilltoppers took an early 14-9 lead before attack errors from WKU left the door open for FIU to tie the set 14-14. Both teams traded points back and forth to go late in the set as the Hilltoppers and Panthers were tied 20-20 late. WKU went on a four-point run with service aces from redshirt junior setter Callie Bauer to make it a 24-20 Lady Topper. FIU answered thanks to kills from sophomore outside hitter Courtney O’Brien to make it 24-24. Neither team wanted to go away but ultimately WKU won the slugfest and took set four and the match 32-30.
The Hilltoppers will face the winner of Kennesaw State vs Middle Tennessee Saturday, Nov 24 at 11 a.m.
Sports Reporter Peyton Reid can be reached at [email protected].
