The Hilltoppers (25-5 overall, 15-1 CUSA) had a slow start to the match but were able to bounce back and close it out against the Aggies (14-16 overall, 7-9 CUSA) behind double-digit offensive performances from Alivia Skidmore and Kaira Knox and a strong night at the service line from libero Tayler Baron.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: 25-15
The Aggies got off to a quick start, jumping out to a 4-1 lead capped with back-to-back service aces. NMSU finished the first set with a .444 hitting percentage while the Hilltoppers posted a .154 hitting clip. Both Skidmore and middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele tied with three kills each, and Baron recorded the only service ace of the frame for WKU.
Set 2: 25-19
The Hilltoppers erupted in the second set and ran away with the frame, never letting NM State lead or even tie the score. WKU's offense improved dramatically, doubling their efforts in the first set and finishing with a .310 hitting percentage compared to the first set's .154. While the two teams matched total kills, WKU's five team blocks and NMSU's hitting errors contributed to the set win. Knox found her footing in the second frame, finishing with a team high five kills while middle hitter Faith Young recorded four blocks, including two solo efforts. Baron also added another service ace to her total.
Set 3: 25-12
The third set was arguably the Hilltoppers' most complete performance, with a match-high 14 kills, .394 hitting percentage, 16 digs, and two service aces. While quieter for the net defense with three team blocks, the six block assists were the most for the Tops in a single set. Both Skidmore and Knox added an additional four kills to their totals, with neither hitter committing an attack error. Baron anchored the back row with five digs while setter Callie Bauer matched Baron's efforts with five digs of her own.
Set 4: 25-21
The Hilltoppers closed out the match hitting almost .400 for the second straight set. Knox added yet another five kills to bring her total to 14 while Young added four of her own to finish with eight on the night. Both Baron and Bauer added two more digs to their totals. Bauer's two digs brought her total to 14 for her 17th career double double.
NOTABLES
- Alivia Skidmore posted a team-high .526 hitting percentage while Kaira Knox collected the most kills with 14.
- Callie Bauer's 14 digs and 35 assists is enough to earn her fifth double double of the season and 17th of her career. Her 14 digs is also her second most this season.
- At the net, Faith Young posted a team-high five blocks while Tayler Baron paced the back row with 16 digs.
- Tayler Baron's four assists brings her career total to 200.
- Tayler Baron's five service aces is both a season and career high for the sophomore.
UP NEXT
The Hilltoppers will play in the CUSA tournament quarterfinals on Saturday against #7 Kennesaw State. First serve is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CT.
