GRAYSON, Ky. - University of Pikeville volleyball is 1-0 in conference play after a 3-0 victory over KCU in their 2024 AAC opener.  

Set 1: UPIKE 25, KCU 23 

The Knights got off to a fast start, leading by as much as four points. Despite the early hole, the Bears battled back and took the lead late. KCU made a late push and took a 23-22 lead but the Bears went on a 3-0 run late, capped off by a kill from Theresa Romero to give the Bears a 25-23 set win and a 1-0 match lead.  

Set 2: UPIKE 25, KCU 19 

UPIKE picked up where they left off in set one and led for most of set two. The Bears pulled away midway through the set after taking a 19-13 lead. Leading 24-19 late in the set, Olivia Chapman ended it with a kill to give UPIKE a 25-19 win in set two. UPIKE led 2-0 with a chance to wrap up its conference opener.  

Set 3: UPIKE 25, KCU 20 

Just like set one, the Knights came out firing early and held a 12-8 lead early in the third. UPIKE's response, however, was the same as the first set. UPIKE used a 6-1 run to take a lead they would not relinquish. Later on, the Knights made a push to cut the lead to 20-19, but the Bears slammed the door on KCU's comeback bid. Lanie Hawley capped off the match with a kill to give UPIKE the victory.  

Cassidy Rivas and Olivia Chapman had 13 kills each, both game-highs. Lanie Hawley had ten kills and a game-high four blocks. Tylie Barton had a career-high 39 assists tonight and now has 189 assists for the year. Ashtyn Filkins, who was named AAC Defensive Player of the Week last week, led UPIKE's back line with 11 digs.  

"We faced some adversity today, but our team banded together. They took care of each other and took care of business on the court," said Coach Mary Haynes.  

Thursday's victory over the Knights makes it four consecutive wins for Coach Haynes' squad, who are now 5-1 (1-0 AAC) on the year. Next up for the Bears is a trip to Knoxville, Tenn., for a doubleheader against Johnson University and Appalachian Bible College.  

#BearDown