Set 1
A rocky start to the set, later became no feat for the Hilltoppers. A 9-4 run by the Roos led head coach Travis Hudson to regroup his squad during a timeout. The Hilltoppers even-keeled a few more points with kills by Katie Howard and Lauren Matthews, and a service ace off the hand of Katie Isenbarger. The Tops finally rebounded into the lead on a 6-0 run with two aces from Ashley Hood and an offensive scheme to knock the Roos' defense off. Rallies back and forth between the two shortened the gap, but ultimately WKU fought the 25-23 win with a kill from Lauren Matthews.
Set 2
WKU started loud and proud with a 3-0 run to kick off the second frame. Trading points back and forth on the court, WKU held Kansas City to a .188 hitting clip.The Hilltoppers ended the frame in a 5-0 stretch to claim 25, ended with a Jennifer Rush kill.
Set 3
Kicking off the third set was drawn by middle hitter Lauren Matthews with a kill off the assist from setter Callie Bauer. After a point to the Roos, WKU went on to earn six straight and forced Kansas City head coach Christi Posey to regroup. A rally back and forth eventually led the Hilltoppers to three-straight with back to back service aces from libero Abby Schaefer. After a widened gap of nearly 10 points, coach Hudson subbed in freshmen Callahan Weigandt and Logan Grevengoed to rise up in experience. Wrapping up the match, senior Paige Briggs knocked Kansas City to the ground with a kill to 25.
SCHEDULE
Friday, August 26 – No. 21 WKU def. Miami (OH), 3-0
Friday, August 26 – No. 21 WKU def. Bradley, 3-0
Saturday, August 27 – No. 21 WKU def. Kansas City, 3-0
POST-MATCH NOTES
- Revamping with a new slate after five seniors graduating, WKU started Callie Bauer, Paige Briggs, Kenadee Coyle, Katie Howard, Lauren Matthews, Katie Isenbarger, and Abby Schaefer.
- Friday's meeting concludes the first meeting between the sides in program history, WKU takes the lead with the Summit League opponent, 1-0.
- After marking their collegiate debuts against Miami Friday morning, freshmen Callahan Weigandt and Logan Grevengoed found a spot on the court a second time this season, seeing time in the third set.
- Freshman Logan Grevengoed recorded her first collegiate career statistic with a kill in the third frame, earning the 22nd point.
- Seniors Lauren Matthews and Paige Briggs were named to the All-Tournament team, Briggs earned MVP.
How to Follow WKU Volleyball: For complete information on WKU Volleyball, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUVolleyball and head coach Travis Hudson at @TravisHudsonWKU. The team is also on Instagram and Facebook
