Oct. 10, 2013
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - The Western Kentucky University volleyball team (15-4, 5-0) has its first split weekend of the Sun Belt Conference schedule, as the Lady Toppers host ULM (5-16, 1-4) for the team's annual "Dig 4 Pink" match before traveling to Lafayette, La., to take on the Ragin' Cajuns (12-7, 2-3) on Sunday.
Game Information
• Friday, October 11; ULM at 7 p.m. CT; E.A. Diddle Arena
• Sunday, October 13; Louisiana-Lafayette at 12 p.m. CT; Lafayette, La./Earl K. Long Gym
Viewing Information
• Live stats available for ULM match at WKUSports.com
• Live stats and video for ULL match at RaginCajuns.com
Promotions
• Friday vs. ULM
• Dig 4 Pink - Fans wearing pink to the match will receive free admission. The first 250 fans will receive a pink rally towel. All proceeds will benefit Hope for Harlie. For more information on Hope for Harlie, visit the website at HopeforHarlie.org.
Against ULM/Louisiana
In the series history with ULM, WKU holds a 10-3 advantage, having won the last 10 matches. The Lady Toppers have lost just one set in those 10 matches, which was in 1992. WKU is 3-1 in home matches against the Warhawks.
Against Louisiana, WKU leads the series 22-4 with wins in the last 16 contests. WKU earned victories in straight sets in the last 10 meetings. The Lady Toppers are 10-2 in Lafayette with the last loss coming down to five sets in 1999.
Under 19-year head coach Travis Hudson, WKU is a combined 26-4 against the SBC foes from the Pelican State.
5-0 Start
The Lady Toppers stay undefeated in conference action with a 5-0 record. It marks the eighth time under Hudson that the team opens with a 5-0 mark against SBC opponents. During those seasons, WKU went to the NCAA Tournament four times while earning the regular-season title six times and winning the tournament crown three times.
Ranking High in National Stats
WKU consistently finds itself ranking high in national statistics in both team and individual categories. The team's .313 hitting percentage currently ranks sixth in the nation behind Missouri's .387, Florida's .349, Penn State's .329, Stanford's .323 and Minnesota's .319. All five teams rank in the top 25 with the last four in the top 11. WKU has finished with a top-10 hitting percentage nationally the last three years.
Individually, WKU has two in the top 15 in hitting percentage--redshirt senior Paige Wessel is sixth with .461 while sophomore Noelle Langenkamp is 14th with .431. WKU had two finish the 2012 season in the top 25--junior Heather Boyan was 18th while Wessel was 25th. Out of the teams that currently rank higher than WKU in hitting percentage, only Stanford has two players in the top 15 nationally.
Numbers to Note--SBC Match Streak
Including the conference tournament, WKU has not lost to a SBC opponent since Oct. 4, 2011 (MTSU)--a streak of 37 matches. In just regular-season matches, WKU has won 29-straight contests.
Since 2008, WKU has only dropped six sets to current SBC members. During that span, WKU only lost one match (Oct. 9, 2008, at UALR, 0-3).
Against current SBC members, WKU has won 17-consecurive regular-season matches in straight sets. With the conference tournament added, WKU has won 19-straight sweeps.
Since 2008, WKU has won 44-consecutive matches against current SBC members with 41 during the regular season.
Including all SBC members (former and current), WKU is 74-12 in league action since 2008.
For full game notes, click here.
Next Home Match
• Sunday, October 27; Arkansas State at 12 p.m. CT; E.A. Diddle Arena
