Oct. 3, 2014
MIAMI— Behind freshman Alyssa Cavanaugh's 12th double-digit kill effort of the season, the WKU volleyball team (15-4, 3-0) rolled past FIU (3-13, 0-3) in straight sets (25-14, 27-25, 25-18) on Friday in FIU Arena.
Cavanaugh posted 12 kills in the match, as WKU totaled 45 with a .294 hitting mark compared to FIU's 28 kills a .104 clip. Junior Noelle Langenkamp recorded nine kills while putting up a match-high four solo blocks.
Freshman Jessica Lucas passed out 31 assists to go with seven digs and six kills while sophomore Georgia O'Connell put up 14 digs, seven assists and a pair of service aces. Junior Rachel Engle added eight digs, as WKU led FIU in the digs department 43-34.
For FIU, Lea Montavon led the team with eight kills while Kristine Monforte had 10 digs. Jennifer Ene and Martyna Gluchowicz tabbed three solo blocks each.
WKU put together a well-balanced effort in the first set, using 16 kills and 18 digs to win 25-14. The defense held the Panthers to four kills in the frame, hitting at a -.069 percentage with 29 attempts. A 9-2 scoring spree sparked by a block from Lucas and senior Heather Boyan opened the lead for WKU 17-9. The Lady Toppers easily cruised to the win after closing on a 4-1 run.
It was an evenly matched second set, as WKU hit .235 and FIU at a .233 clip. Ten tied scores and two lead changes were in the game, as the Panthers led most of it. Knotted at 25 each, a kill from Langenkamp followed by an ace from freshman Jackie Scott gave WKU set point before an FIU attack error sealed the 2-0 lead.
Under the serve of R. Engle, WKU took control early in the third set, as three kills, a block and service ace helped the Lady Toppers gain a 10-2 advantage. FIU would move within three at 14-11, but WKU made it difficult for FIU to put two points together, going on to win the final frame 25-18.
The Lady Toppers travel next to Boca Raton to take on Florida Atlantic at 11 a.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 5 before opening a three-game homestand against Charlotte on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The 2014 WKU volleyball season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season, the Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student-athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
For all the latest news and information on WKU volleyball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program on Twitter via @TravisHudsonWKU and @WKUVolleyball.
