(Lexington, Ky.) — WKU Volleyball dropped a 3-1 decision to the University of Kentucky on Saturday, moving to 2-1 on the season.

The Hilltoppers fell 16-25, 25-19, 16-25, 16-25, despite strong performances from freshman outside hitter Alivia Skidmore and senior outside hitter Kaylee Cox. Skidmore finished with 11 kills, while Cox added 10, marking her third consecutive match with double-digit kills.

Defensively, WKU totaled eight blocks, with sophomore middle hitter Izzy Van De Wiele contributing five. Kentucky, the tournament’s host, dominated in the third and fourth sets with strong attacking, while the Hilltoppers struggled to match their pace, hitting just .308 in the final set.

The match began with a back-and-forth exchange of points, but the Wildcats gradually pulled away after the tenth point. In set two, WKU responded, limiting Kentucky to a .214 hitting percentage while the Hilltoppers hit .394. Cox and sophomore outside hitter Gabby Weihe were key contributors, with each hitting .600 in the set.

WKU’s offensive momentum faltered in the later sets, and Kentucky capitalized with strong offensive play to seal the victory. With the loss, WKU’s record against Kentucky dropped to 4-17 overall and 4-13 in away matches.

“I feel better after losing that match than I did winning the first two,” WKU head coach Travis Hudson said. “We did some really good things, and we just have things we have to get better at.”

WKU will next face Marist on Friday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. CT in East Lansing, Mich. as part of their next tournament.