Jacksonville State University
Western Kentucky
Jax State Opens CUSA Play Hosting WKU
9/26/2024 9:43:00 AM | Volleyball
JACKSONVILLE – Jax State volleyball welcomes the 2023 Conference USA Champion Western Kentucky Hilltoppers to the Pete Mathews Coliseum Friday and Saturday to begin CUSA action.
The Gamecocks (7-6) are coming off a tough 0-3 weekend in the Ragin' Cajuns Classic hosted by Louisiana last weekend. The Hilltoppers (7-6) will not be an easy matchup as they were picked to win the CUSA in the preseason poll. The conference opener will be the first time that Jax State has played WKU at home.
"Always fun to have preseason number one come into the Pete," head coach Derek Schroeder said. "We have been seeing big improvements in practice and WKU is a great test to hopefully see those in competition this Friday and Saturday."
Although the scores did not go Jax State's way in Louisiana, plenty of Gamecocks stood out with their performances. Ellie Garrett tallied 82 assists (7.45 per set), 22 digs, and nine kills. Kayla Williams led the way in kills with 32 and added 16 digs. Caty Havekost followed Williams with 22 kills, respectively.
Brooklyn Schiffli shined defensively with 52 digs (4.73 per set). Schiffli added eight assists and a service ace as well. Madison Konopka and Luci Wilkinson also showed out on the backrow last weekend. Konopka had 22 digs, while Wilkinson had 19 digs, respectively.
The Gamecocks will have their work cut out for them as WKU comes to town. The Hilltoppers have been a powerhouse volleyball program for over 20 years. In fact, the Hilltoppers have not lost a match in CUSA play since 2018. WKU lost only five sets in conference play during the entire 2023 regular season.
The Hilltoppers, coming off a 3-0 weekend last week, have many key pieces back from their 30-5 season last year. Outside hitter Kaylee Cox was named the CUSA Preseason Player of the Year, while setter Callie Bauer and opposite Kenadee Coyle were named to the CUSA Preseason Team along with Cox. WKU defeated Arkansas State, Eastern Illinois, and Austin Peay in three straight sweeps last Friday and Saturday.
The CUSA opener will be broadcasted via ESPN+ on Friday, Sep. 27, and Saturday, Sep. 28. Live stats will also be provided on JaxStateSports.com.
To stay up-to-date with the Gamecocks, follow their Twitter (@JaxStateVB), Instagram (@JaxStateVB), and Facebook (Jacksonville State Volleyball) accounts.
