Bowling Green Celebrates WKU Volleyball’s Rising Stars
Bowling Green, KY – Exciting times are brewing for the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Hilltoppers volleyball team as they continue to dominate the court! After a thrilling match against the Kennesaw State Owls on October 5, 2024, the Hilltoppers earned a convincing 3-0 victory with set scores of 25-23, 25-12, and 25-15. This impressive performance marks their seventh straight win, improving their overall record to 4-0 in Conference play.
A Stellar Performance at E.A. Diddle Arena
The match took place at the iconic E.A. Diddle Arena, a revered venue for Hilltoppers’ fans. The atmosphere was electric, as fans cheered on their team, creating an unforgettable experience. The star of the show, Kaylee Cox, showcased her skills by spiking the ball past Kennesaw State’s Ashlyn Anderson. With her fiery energy and determination, she has turned heads this season.
Middle Tennessee Series Ahead
Looking ahead, WKU is set to host their fierce rivals, Middle Tennessee, for a midweek series that begins on Tuesday. Fans are buzzing with anticipation as they hope to see their team carry this winning streak into the upcoming matches!
Weekly Honors for WKU Volleyball Stars
In line with their outstanding performances, the Hilltoppers received further recognition on Monday, when Conference USA announced their Player of the Week Awards. Kaylee Cox was named Offensive Player of the Week, while redshirt junior setter Callie Bauer earned the title of Setter of the Week. This marks the second consecutive award for both of these talented athletes this season!
Kaylee Cox: A Force to Be Reckoned With
Diving into the stats, Kaylee’s performance over the last four matches was nothing short of remarkable. She tallied a staggering 55 kills over 17 sets, which averages out to about 3.24 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .293. Her ability to consistently reach double-digit kills in three of those four matches showcases her prowess on the court. In addition, she played a significant role in defense, contributing to the team with 10 total blocks and 30 digs!
Callie Bauer’s All-Around Excellence
Callie Bauer not only excels in setting the pace for her team but also knows how to put points on the board. Throughout the four matches, she highlighted her versatility with 19 kills and an impressive hitting percentage of .372. Averaging 10 assists per set, she recorded 170 assists across 385 attempts. Callie also managed to nab four service aces, ranking her as one of the top contributors in that area!
Team Strengths Shine Through
The teamwork and chemistry between Kaylee and Callie helped propel WKU with a dynamic hitting percentage of .346 over the weekend, almost doubling their opponents’ average of .190. To add to the excitement, WKU’s offense tied for the most kills of the season at an astonishing 67 kills in their first match against MTSU.
Looking Forward
With the momentum on their side, the Hilltoppers are poised for another big weekend! They will return to the E.A. Diddle Arena on Friday to square off against Louisiana Tech. The first serve is slated for 6 p.m., and fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they aim to extend this remarkable winning streak!
Stay tuned for more updates as the WKU Hilltoppers continue to make waves in the volleyball scene this season!
