Lynchburg, Va. – Liberty faced off against the reigning Conference USA champion, WKU, on Saturday at Liberty Arena. The Lady Flames fell in straight sets: 25-13, 26-24, 25-20.
With this victory, WKU (24-5, 15-1) secured at least a share of its seventh consecutive CUSA regular-season title. Liberty’s record now sits at 20-9, placing them in a tie for fifth in the conference standings.
Key Stats
- WKU outperformed Liberty with a hitting percentage of .345 compared to Liberty’s .171.
- The Hilltoppers led in kills (51-37), aces (5-2), and digs (60-38).
- Alicia Skikdmore topped the match with 14 kills. Not far behind, Kaira Knox added 13, while Faith Young had 11 at an impressive .611 hitting percentage.
- Callie Bauer contributed significantly with 37 assists, four kills, seven digs, and three blocks. Tayler Baron shone in defense with 14 digs and three aces.
- For Liberty, Paige Overcash scored 13 kills at a .324 pace. Carly O’Brien hit .391 with 12 kills and eight digs. Alison Bierwagen posted a double-double with 26 assists and 10 digs.
Turning Point
The second set was a real battle, featuring 18 ties and nine lead changes. Liberty was down 23-21 when Overcash scored a crucial kill. With Layla Collins blocking effectively, they surged ahead to a set point. However, Knox answered back, tying the game. WKU’s Camila Adams served the final two points, including a tricky ace, sealing the set at 26-24.
Quick Hits
- WKU remains undefeated (7-0) against Liberty in volleyball.
- Overcash has reached double figures in kills for six straight matches and has hit that mark in 12 of the last 14.
- Bierwagen recorded her 10th career double-double, matching O’Brien, who has 14. This season marks the first time since 2022 that two Lady Flames have both achieved 10 or more double-doubles.
- Shyia Richardson was celebrated with a senior day ceremony after the match.
Looking Ahead
The seeding and matchups for the 2025 Conference USA Volleyball Championship will be announced soon. The tournament will take place at FIU in Miami, Fla., from Friday to Sunday.
As the season progresses, it’s interesting to note that volleyball continues to gain popularity, particularly among younger athletes. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, volleyball is among the fastest-growing high school sports in the U.S. in recent years. This growth trend reflects a broader interest in women’s sports and highlights the talent emerging in programs like Liberty and WKU.
For more detailed insights, check out the settings of the upcoming tournament at the official Conference USA website.
