Bowling Green, Kentucky, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Western Kentucky volleyball team will kick off its Conference USA schedule by hosting Jacksonville State. After a strong nonconference season, where they finished 9-4, the team aims to leverage its experience against a competitive opponent. Injuries to key players have posed challenges, but the team has shown resilience and notable performances from standout players. Coach Travis Hudson expresses confidence in his team as they look to extend their remarkable conference winning streak.
Bowling Green, Kentucky – The Western Kentucky volleyball team is set to begin its Conference USA schedule, hosting Jacksonville State on Friday at 6 p.m. The match will mark the first of two encounters between the teams, with a second match scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.
WKU concluded its nonconference play with a record of 9-4, which included a challenging 3-0 loss to the No. 3 ranked team in the nation, Louisville. Head coach Travis Hudson has expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance during a tough nonconference slate, despite navigating significant injuries. Freshman Kaira Knox recently suffered an ankle injury during a match against Indiana, which has been assessed as severe but does not involve a fracture. Additionally, junior Izzy Van De Wiele was absent from the Louisville match due to an abdominal strain.
Despite these setbacks, Hudson remains optimistic about the team’s resilience. He highlighted their notable victories over top-25 teams such as Dayton and Indiana during the nonconference schedule, which has included strong opponents like Drake, Vanderbilt, and Marquette.
Jacksonville State enters the upcoming matchup with a record of 6-6 and is viewed as a comparable competitor to last season’s squad. Hudson respects Jacksonville State’s head coach, Derek Schroeder, praising his coaching ability.
WKU boasts a remarkable streak of 92 consecutive conference game wins and is widely recognized as the team to beat in Conference USA. Hudson noted that WKU is prepared to face increased challenges, as opponents now view them as the target.
Several members of the WKU volleyball team have received accolades from Conference USA, underscoring their performance excellence. Izzy Van De Wiele has been named Defensive Player of the Week after achieving 12 blocks and 21 kills during the Alyssa Cavanaugh Classic. Furthermore, Callie Bauer earned her second consecutive honor as Setter of the Week, contributing a .306 hitting percentage and 91 assists across nine sets.
The upcoming matches present a critical opportunity for the Western Kentucky volleyball team as they look to continue their success in Conference USA and build upon their strong performance in nonconference play.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is WKU’s first match against Jacksonville State?
WKU’s first match against Jacksonville State is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m.
What is WKU’s record after nonconference play?
WKU concluded nonconference play with a record of 9-4.
Who are the players recognized by Conference USA?
Izzy Van De Wiele was named Defensive Player of the Week, and Callie Bauer was recognized as Setter of the Week.
Key Features of WKU Volleyball Season
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Conference Match | Against Jacksonville State on Friday at 6 p.m. |
| Record After Nonconference Play | 9-4 |
| Significant Injuries | Kaira Knox (ankle injury), Izzy Van De Wiele (abdominal strain) |
| Recent Opponents | Drake, Vanderbilt, Marquette, Indiana, Dayton, Louisville |
| Notable Accolades | Izzy Van De Wiele (Defensive Player of the Week), Callie Bauer (Setter of the Week) |
| Streak Information | 92 consecutive conference game wins |
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: Hilltoppers Shift Focus to Conference Play
- Wikipedia: Volleyball
- WKU Sports: WKU Hosts Jax State for Rematch in CUSA Tournament
- Google Search: Softball
- WKU Sports: Women’s Soccer Wrap Up Roadtrip
- Google Scholar: Soccer
- WKU Sports: Lady Topper Basketball 2025-26 CUSA Schedule Announced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- WKU Sports: Tops Drop Series Opener Against Jax State
- Google News: WKU Sports
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