LYNCHBURG, Va. – Jacksonville State volleyball saw its 2023 season come to an end on Friday in the Conference USA Quarterfinals. The eighth-seeded Gamecocks fell in straight sets against one-seed Western Kentucky at Liberty Arena to close out the first year of the Derek Schroeder era.
 
A powerful Hilltopper (27-4) offense dominated the opening set at Liberty Arena. WKU totaled 11 kills on just 25 swings, out-hitting the Gamecocks (5-22) .400 to .067. Although Jax State tallied two Maddie Stayer aces and a block, they could not stop a pair of long runs that helped Western Kentucky cruise to a 25-12 set win. Attack errors plagued the Red-and-White again in the second frame. Three blocks and seven errors in all held Jacksonville State back while WKU picked up 15 more kills in a 25-15 difference. Schroeder's squad showed great resolve late in the third, winning eight of 10 points to get as close as seven before the tourney's top seed clinched the win with a service error and a kill on consecutive plays.
 
Stayer led the Gamecocks with nine kills and had a career-best three aces. Kaylee Moseley added seven kills and Kathryn Smith ended up with new career highs in kills (4), attacks (12), and assists (19). Luci Wilkinson earned the start at libero and had the most digs of any performer with 16.
 
Jax State was out-hit .386 to .107 on the day and had less kills (40-27), aces (6-4), blocks (8-5), assists (38-23), and digs (47-39) than WKU.
 
With their quarterfinal loss, Jacksonville State volleyball closes up shop on the 2023 campaign. Schroeder's program will begin preparations for the upcoming beach volleyball slate which will begin in March 2024.
 
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