Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 18, 2025
News Summary
WKU Volleyball will present the Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic, featuring competitive matches between teams such as Bradley, Indiana, and Austin Peay. The tournament will take place over two days with significant match timings. Austin Peay seeks to improve its season record facing tough opponents, including a historical rivalry with Bradley and Western Kentucky. Engaging promotional events will accompany the matches, enhancing the experience for fans.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – WKU Volleyball will host the Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic on September 19-20, 2025, bringing together three teams for a competitive tournament including Bradley, Indiana, and Austin Peay.
The classics will begin with Austin Peay facing Bradley at 9:30 a.m. on September 19, followed by a match against Western Kentucky at 1:30 p.m. on September 20. The matchups promise an exciting weekend for volleyball fans as teams look to secure key victories.
Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team currently holds a 1-8 season record after a challenging start. The team recently played in the SIUE Cougar Classic, where they faced set backs, losing two matches to SIUE and Seattle, both ending with scores of 2-3, in addition to a straight-set loss to Air Force, 0-3.
Despite their rough season, Austin Peay’s Taly Cloyd has emerged as a strong player, leading the team with 86 kills, averaging 2.32 kills per set. Cloyd has recorded ten or more kills in four out of nine matches this season. Additionally, Gianna Tagoa’i directs the offense with 161 assists thus far, averaging 4.60 assists per set, along with contributing 14 service aces.
Austin Peay stands out in service, commanding the Atlantic Sun Conference with a total of 71 service aces, which ranks 25th in the nation. They are also second in the ASUN, averaging 1.92 service aces per set. Defensive efforts are spearheaded by Reagan Anderson, who has accumulated 151 total digs, averaging 4.08 digs per set, ranking third in the ASUN. Tagoa’i ranks fourth in the conference for service aces with her 14.
Historically, the Governors have yet to secure a win against Bradley, trailing 0-2 in their series. The last encounter was a 3-0 victory for Bradley on September 2, 2006. Austin Peay’s all-time record against Western Kentucky also tilts in favor of their rival, standing at 15-36, dating back to 1981. The most recent match against Western Kentucky resulted in a 3-0 loss for the Governors on September 21, 2024.
Bradley enters the tournament with a season record of 5-4 and is currently riding a two-match winning streak, with their latest match being a solid 3-0 victory over Kansas City on September 13. In contrast, Western Kentucky has a record of 6-3 after suffering a recent loss to Vanderbilt, also with a score of 3-0, on September 16.
The Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic also involves various promotional events at WKU including Education Day on Friday and Youth Volleyball/Camper Reunion Day for the evening match, contributing to an engaging atmosphere throughout the tournament.
WKU has a robust promotional schedule planned for the volleyball season, including themed nights and community events, designed to bring fans together and enhance the overall experience at the matches.
Key Tournament Details
- Event: Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic
- Date: September 19-20, 2025
- Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
- Competing Teams: WKU, Austin Peay, Bradley, Indiana
Current Season Records
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Austin Peay | 1-8 |
| Bradley | 5-4 |
| Western Kentucky | 6-3 |
Austin Peay Player Highlights
- Taly Cloyd: 86 kills, 2.32 kills/set
- Gianna Tagoa’i: 161 assists, 4.60 assists/set, 14 service aces
- Reagan Anderson: 151 digs, 4.08 digs/set
Head-to-Head History
- Austin Peay vs. Bradley: 0-2
- Austin Peay vs. Western Kentucky: 15-36
FAQ
What teams will be playing in the Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic?
The tournament will feature Bradley, Indiana, and Austin Peay.
What is Austin Peay’s current season record?
Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team has a current season record of 1-8.
What are the match timings for Austin Peay?
Austin Peay will face Bradley at 9:30 a.m. on September 19 and Western Kentucky at 1:30 p.m. on September 20.
What is the historical record of Austin Peay against Bradley?
Austin Peay has never beaten Bradley; they trail in their series 0-2.
What promotional events are occurring during the tournament?
The Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic matches are part of several promotional events at WKU, including Education Day on Friday and Youth Volleyball/Camper Reunion Day for the evening match.
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Additional Resources
- WKU Sports: Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic Announcement
- Austin Peay: Govs Volleyball Set for Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic
- WKU Sports: This Week in WKU Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Google Search: Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
