KSU’s volleyball team suffered two hard losses on the road this weekend against Lipscomb and Northern Kentucky. Despite losing 3-1 in both matches, The Owls proved to play hard and maintain competitive determination against both opponents, gaining greater respect from the coaches and onlookers back at home.
“Last week I told them I could not be more proud of them. Well, they one upped me tonight,” head coach Karen Weatherington said of Friday night’s game. “They continued to respond and perform in a disciplined way. The execution of the game was a great team effort and we had great contribution all around. It’s a monumental step forward in KSU volleyball.”
KSU battled hard the first two sets against Lipscomb, but fell 19-25 and 16-25. The Owls came on top in the third set, 25-22, led by the likes of seniors Baylee Strachan with 16 kills and Turea Jones with 11 kills and 19 digs. The set win for the Owls was the first for the KSU volleyball team against the Bisons since 2008, noting great strides in the program. Ultimately, Lipscomb took the win the fourth-set ending the match, 20-25. “The Bison’s are a nationally recognized team because of their consistency and experience and hats off to them,” coach Weatherington said, “But I’m proud of my girls for competing at such a high level.”
The Owls traveled up to Kentucky on Saturday, facing the Norse for the first time since NKU’s appearance at KSU. The match marked
only the second time in Owls volleyball history the teams met on the court. The Norse, celebrating senior night, took the lead immediately in the opening set. The Owls were able to reverse the situation and take the lead for a short time. NKU rallied to deplete the deficient and ended the set on top, 25-17.
The Owls claimed the second set, 25-20. KSU’s efforts were led by senior talent, with Turea Jones performing a career best with 20 kills and 19 digs along with a .292 attack percentage. Baylee Strachan added 10 kills, with one closing the second set for the Owls.
The third set proved to be close, with the score going back and forth, until the end, NKU pulled out the win 19- 25. The Owls rallied hard for a possible fifth set from the start of the fourth, leading 22-18. NKU lobbied and tied it up, and the teams battled until the end, each jumping ahead in score once more before the Norse scored two points straight to end the game. “Every player did their part today to make us successful, it was just a tough match and a tough one to have to get away from us. Our hearts showed and we definitely made NKU earn the win. I’m proud of my team and our belief in each other, especially at this time in the season,” Weatherington said.
KSU is now 16-15 and 5-11 in conference. The Owls will travel to Tennessee on Tuesday to face East Tennessee State. The game starts at seven and the outcome of this game will help determine the Owl’s chances for postseason play.
