Western Kentucky's volleyball team opened its midweek series against Middle Tennessee in quick fashion on Tuesday, sweeping their eighth match in a row with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-15) win at E.A. Diddle Arena.
Senior right-side hitter Kenadee Coyle led the way for the Hilltoppers with 10 kills and a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage (10-0-10) on the night. Sophomore middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele continued to be a force at the net for the Hilltoppers (12-6 overall, 5-0 Conference USA) with seven total blocks on the night while helping WKU to 13 total blocks against the Blue Raiders (6-11 overall, 2-3 CUSA).
The first match of the midweek series started fast as the Hilltoppers opened the first set with a 4-0 run. Van De Wiele led the charge with four kills with senior outside hitter Kaylee Cox next at three. WKU was a threat at the net with five total team blocks, again led by Van De Wiele who finished the set with four blocks.
The Hilltopper defense also held MTSU to a -.069 (6-8-29) hitting percentage. In addition to Van De Wiele’s performance, sophomore middle hitter Gabby Weihe was a force at the service line with two service aces.
The Hilltopper defense proved to be an issue for the Blue Raiders in set two, as WKU added an additional four blocks to their total and MTSU finished the set with a .000 (16-16-61) hitting percentage. Cox added four kills to her total, Van De Wiele added three blocks, and redshirt junior setter Callie Bauer added two service aces.
MTSU battle.