The Bulldogs (7-12 overall, 0-5 CUSA) never hit above .200 across all three sets while the Hilltoppers (14-4 overall, 5-0 CUSA) dominated at the net with seven blocks to LA Tech's one.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: 25-17
A back-and-forth first few points led to a tie at 4-4 between the two teams. A service ace from sophomore defensive specialist Camila Adams broke that tie, and the Hilltoppers never gave the lead back for the rest of the set. Adams' service ace triggered a 10-4 run that put WKU up 15-8 going into the media timeout. Skidmore collected six kills in the first set, finishing with a .400 hitting percentage. Adams, along with senior setter Callie Bauer and sophomore middle hitter Faith Young, were responsible for WKU's three service aces.
Set 2: 25-11
The Hilltoppers hit .500 or above during a single set for the second straight weekend, as they didn't commit a single hitting error in 18 attempts. WKU also collected three total team blocks, and sophomore middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele recorded the first solo block of the match. Skidmore added another five kills to her total to cross the double-digit threshold (11) through two sets. The Bulldogs also could not get out of their own way, posting six hitting errors and finishing with a .000 hitting percentage in the second frame.
Set 3: 26-24
The third set was the closest between the two, with the score tying a total of 12 times and three lead changes. Young led the offensive charge with four kills while the Hilltoppers exploded at the net with four total blocks. Sophomore defensive specialist Tayler Baron put up another two service aces for the Tops. Of the four total blocks, junior outside hitter Kendall Meller was responsible for three, including a solo effort.
NOTABLES
- WKU's .348 hitting percentage was the sixth-best of the year.
- The seven total service aces ties for third-most through 18 matches.
- Alivia Skidmore led the Tops' offense with 14 kills.
- Kendall Meller led at the net with three blocks.
- Tayler Baron continues to lead the Hilltoppers' back row with 13 digs.
UP NEXT
WKU will wrap up its road trip with a match at LA Tech on Saturday. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
