MIAMI – WKU Volleyball clinched its third consecutive Conference USA Tournament Championship on Sunday, defeating No. 4 seed FIU in a thrilling five-set match (25-18, 20-25, 26-28, 25-24, 16-14). This victory marked WKU’s 10th win in a row, bringing their overall record to 27-5.
The match was intense, especially in the last set. WKU was trailing 14-12 but bounced back, scoring four straight points to secure the win and the championship.
With this triumph, WKU earned its 18th NCAA Tournament berth, marking the seventh consecutive year they’ve made it to the tournament. Over the years, they have claimed 21 of 24 possible CUSA championships, including 11 regular-season titles and 10 tournament victories.
Four players made significant contributions, with outside hitter Alivia Skidmore leading the way with a career-high 25 kills. Others like Faith Young, Kaira Knox, and Izzy Van De Wiele also made their mark with 19, 17, and 13 kills, respectively. Tayler Baron anchored the defense with 10 digs, while Callie Bauer notched a career-high 67 assists. Bauer, named CUSA tournament MVP, along with Baron, Young, and Skidmore, received All-Tournament Team honors.
Match Breakdown
Set 1: WKU started strong, hitting at .500, with Young leading with eight kills. The defense held FIU to a .214 hitting percentage, allowing WKU to establish an early lead.
Set 2: FIU fought back, improving their hitting percentage to .429. Skidmore did well, contributing six kills, but WKU struggled with service errors, hampering their momentum.
Set 3: Errors plagued WKU, leading to a narrow loss in spite of both teams scoring 17 kills. Baron and Bauer were pivotal in defense with four digs each.
Set 4: This was the most competitive set, with 15 ties and seven lead changes. WKU, facing a set deficit, found its rhythm with balanced attacks from several players, ultimately edging out FIU.
Set 5: The final set was dramatic. Even when down by two, WKU’s resilience shone through. Knox delivered perfect offensive play, contributing to another championship victory.
Key Insights
- Career Achievements: Alivia Skidmore’s 25 kills and Callie Bauer’s 67 assists were both career highs.
- Team Performance: WKU outperformed FIU with a total of 77 kills compared to FIU’s 62.
- Historical Context: This victory further solidifies WKU’s dominance in CUSA women’s volleyball, reflecting a strong legacy in collegiate sports.
Overall, the victory not only highlights individual performances but also underscores WKU’s position as a powerhouse in volleyball. The NCAA tournament selection show on November 30 will reveal who they’ll face next. As fans eagerly await, this success reaffirms the team’s hard work and dedication throughout the season.
For the latest updates, stay tuned to NCAA’s official site.
