Bowling Green, KY, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The Western Kentucky volleyball team achieved a remarkable milestone by securing their 100th consecutive win in Conference USA with a 3-2 victory over Sam Houston. This historic win, which places WKU among the top teams in Division I volleyball history, saw significant contributions from players like Faith Young and Izzy Van De Wiele. The team now boasts an impressive 17-4 overall record and an ongoing perfect 8-0 in conference play as they prepare for their next challenge against UTEP.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – WKU Volleyball Achieves 100th Consecutive Conference Win
The Western Kentucky volleyball team achieved a historic milestone by defeating Sam Houston 3-2 (21-25, 25-16, 25-15, 21-25, 15-8) on Saturday at E.A. Diddle Arena. This victory marks WKU’s 100th consecutive win in Conference USA, making it the third longest win streak in Division I volleyball history.
This hard-fought match brought WKU’s overall record to 17-4 and their Conference USA record to an impressive 8-0. Middle hitters Faith Young and Izzy Van De Wiele were instrumental in the victory, combining for a total of 36 kills throughout the match. Young recorded a career-high 19 kills, while Van De Wiele contributed 17. Alivia Skidmore and Kaira Knox also bolstered the team’s performance, with Skidmore adding 15 kills and Knox hitting double digits with 12 kills. WKU setter Callie Bauer helped to facilitate the offense with 54 assists, leading the team to a hitting percentage of .424.
Head coach Travis Hudson expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement of 100 straight conference wins, describing it as “unthinkable.” The team had previously faced Sam Houston the day before, sweeping them in straight sets, setting the stage for the thrilling return match.
Match Highlights
The match showcased a series of tight contests, starting with the first set, where WKU initially took the lead. Sam Houston quickly countered, with the set concluding in their favor after a series of strong plays. The first set saw Sam Houston secure a lead of 15-10, closing it out with a decisive kill from Lauren Malone.
In the second set, WKU moved decisively, overcoming a 6-6 tie by launching a 6-2 run and finishing the set with a hitting percentage of .500. The momentum continued in the third set where WKU never trailed, hitting an impressive .515 and quickly establishing a 4-1 lead before cruising to a victory in that set.
The fourth set witnessed Sam Houston surge back, utilizing consecutive kills from Chelsea Butler to close out the set and push the match into a fifth and deciding set. WKU emerged strong, taking an early lead at 3-0 and later stretching it to 9-2. Despite a late comeback attempt from Sam Houston, WKU held on to secure the victory.
Young noted the positive impact of freshman Kaira Knox’s return from injury on the team’s recent success and overall performance throughout the match. Coach Hudson highlighted the team’s defensive struggles while acknowledging the significance of the challenging match as the team heads into tournament season.
Looking Ahead
WKU’s next challenge comes on Friday against UTEP, where two unbeaten teams in Conference USA will face off. This match will be crucial for both teams as they look to maintain their perfect conference records.
FAQ
What was the result of the WKU Volleyball match against Sam Houston?
WKU Volleyball defeated Sam Houston 3-2 (21-25, 25-16, 25-15, 21-25, 15-8).
How many consecutive conference wins has WKU achieved?
WKU has achieved 100 consecutive wins in Conference USA.
Who were the key players in WKU’s victory over Sam Houston?
Key players included Faith Young with 19 kills, Izzy Van De Wiele with 17 kills, Alivia Skidmore with 15 kills, and Kaira Knox with 12 kills.
What is WKU’s overall record after the match against Sam Houston?
WKU improved to 17-4 overall and 8-0 in Conference USA.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Result | WKU defeated Sam Houston 3-2 |
| Conference Win Streak | 100 consecutive wins in Conference USA |
| Top Scorers | Faith Young (19 kills), Izzy Van De Wiele (17 kills), Alivia Skidmore (15 kills), Kaira Knox (12 kills) |
| Overall Record | 17-4 overall, 8-0 in Conference USA |
| Next Match | Friday against UTEP, two unbeaten teams in Conference USA |
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Additional Resources
- WKU Volleyball News
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- NCAA Volleyball News
- Google Search: WKU Volleyball Conference USA
- USA Today Volleyball Section
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- ESPN Volleyball Coverage
- Google News: WKU Volleyball
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