Hilltopper Dynasty: WKU Volleyball wins 3rd straight Conference USA Tournament

Peyton Reid, Sports Reporter

November 23, 2025

WKU volleyball players celebrate after scoring a point during their game against Wright State on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

For the third straight season, the Hilltoppers took home the CUSA championship.

WKU Volleyball defeated the FIU Panthers 3-2 in an instant classic Sunday for the Conference USA tournament championship. Sophomore Outside Hitter Alivia Skidmore had a career night, leading WKU with 25 kills.

Skidmore was joined by the surrounding cast of sophomore outside hitter Faith Young, finishing with 19 kills, freshman outside hitter Kaira Knox with 17 and junior middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele with 13.

Set One

WKU took set one 25-18. Neither team wanted to give in, trading points back and forth early. The Hilltoppers took a slim 12-11 lead, before a 5-0 run behind three straight Knox kills gave WKU a 17-11 advantage.

FIU looked to answer; however, the Hilltoppers’ defense was too much. An error from the Panthers gave the set to the Hilltoppers.

Set Two

WKU fell 25-20 in set two. Much like set one, neither team gave in. Tied 16-16. FIU jumped out to a 4-0 run to take a 20-16 lead, led by sophomore opposite hitter Jillian Huckabey.

The Hilltoppers looked to get back into the set, but the swings from the Panthers were too much. A service ace from FIU put the set away.

Set Three

WKU fell 28-26 in set three. The Hilltoppers were able to stop any momentum from the Panthers. Both teams had answers for the other, tied 15-15. FIU took advantage, finding holes in the block 20-17.

WKU rallied, tying it 26-26. The Panthers stopped the Hilltoppers’ momentum, as a block by FIU put the set away.

Set Four

WKU took set four 25-23. The Hilltoppers took a slim 15-13 lead, looking to extend the championship to five. FIU recovered, going on a 4-0 run to take the lead.

Both teams had an answer for everything, tying 23-23. A kill from Skidmore and an attack error from the Panthers put the set away.

Set Five

WKU took the set and the match 16-14. The championship feel was in full effect, neither team giving an inch. FIU looked to end the match, taking a 14-12 lead.

The Hilltoppers, behind Skidmore and Young, went on a 4-0 run. A block from Young put the set and match away.

WKU will await the NCAA selection show, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. to see who they will take on in the first round of the NCAA tournament.