In a showdown at Liberty Arena, the No. 22 WKU Volleyball team (29-4 overall) secured a remarkable victory by sweeping No. 2-seed New Mexico State to clinch the Conference USA Tournament Championship. With this triumph, the Hilltoppers, who had also claimed the regular-season title, added another accolade to their illustrious history, winning 17 of a possible 20 CUSA championships, including eight of 10 tournament titles.
Head coach Travis Hudson expressed the significance of the victory, emphasizing the collective effort of the team. “This means so much to us because of how it came,” said Hudson. “So many different kids stepping up and making plays – the way it ended with Cam [Cameron] Mosley, a kid who’s had to grind her whole career and work extra every single day – to come in and get two huge extra points for us, it signifies what this team is about.”
As the Hilltoppers boast an all-time record of 24-2, the championship match was led by standout performances from Abby Schaefer, Callie Bauer, Kaylee Cox—earning All-Tournament status—along with Paige Briggs, who was crowned Tournament MVP. Briggs showcased her offensive prowess with 14 kills, closely followed by outside hitter Cox with 13. Bauer, in a standout performance, achieved a double-double with 35 assists and 11 digs, while libero Schaefer contributed double-digit digs from the back row.
The match unfolded with WKU securing a 3-0 victory over New Mexico State (25-21, 25-16, 27-25), highlighting the team’s resilience and skill.
Set 1: The Red and White initiated a 2-0 lead with an overhit past the back line and a shot from outside hitter Paige Briggs. The frame witnessed a series of lead changes and tied points, with WKU’s commanding 5-0 run featuring kills from Logan Grevengoed and Briggs. A final 5-0 run secured the set, ending on Briggs’ powerful shot to the left side.
Set 2: WKU capitalized on an early 5-1 drive, countered by NMSU’s three straight points. The set unfolded with both teams trading points until a decisive 5-0 run by the Hilltoppers, led by Kaylee Cox, secured a 2-0 match lead.
Set 3: NM State took an early lead, but WKU responded with a 5-0 run, featuring three kills from Izzy Van De Wiele. The set remained closely contested, with the Aggies mounting a 5-0 run. Kaylee Cox’s crucial kills and Cameron Mosley’s ace brought WKU back into contention. The set extended into extra points, with Cox closing the match with a powerful strike, securing the tournament championship.
WKU Volleyball displayed exceptional teamwork, and several players stood out in key moments. Paige Briggs earned Tournament MVP with her impactful offensive contributions, and Cameron Mosley’s career-high three aces, including two crucial ones in the third set, showcased the team’s resilience.
Head coach Travis Hudson, now with 751 career wins, led WKU to their 32nd conference title and 16th NCAA Tournament berth. The team eagerly awaits the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, Nov. 26, at 5 p.m. CT on ESPN to learn their tournament fate.
The Hilltoppers’ journey continues as they celebrate their triumph and gear up for another exciting NCAA Tournament appearance.
