WKU Volleyball advanced to the Conference USA finals after taking down Kennesaw State University on the second day of CUSA tournament play. 

The Hilltoppers’ strong offense led to two easy wins in the first and second set. The third set became a tug of war at the end, where WKU’s strong blocking skills showed off and managed the victory.

Set One

WKU took set one 25-15. Despite an early lead from Kennesaw State, the Hilltoppers quickly dominated the Owls on the court. 

The Owls looked to clean up attack errors and gain momentum after a KSU timeout at 7-12. The Owls managed to get eight more points, but a KSU service error from senior outside hitter Caroline Chastang put the set away for WKU. 

Set Two

The Hilltoppers took set two 25-16. An early back-and-forth led to a WKU lead. The Hilltoppers’ dominant offense in the lead for the entire set. 

Sophomore outside hitters Faith Young and Alivia Skidmore dominated the set with five and seven kills. A kill from Skidmore put the set away for WKU. 

Set Three

WKU took set three 28-26. The Hilltoppers once again took an early lead, leaving the Owls behind.

The Owls managed to tie-up the set 17-17 after a Hilltoppers timeout. The teams continued to trade points back and forth before tying once again at match point. 

Freshman right side hitter Kaira Knox and junior middle blocker Izzy Van De Wiele blocked an Owls attempt to send the set and match home for WKU. 

The Hilltoppers will meet against Florida International University in the CUSA tournament final.