PEORIA, Ill.—Miami University's volleyball team opened the 2022 campaign against No. 21 Western Kentucky University in the opening match of the Bradley CEFCU Invitational on Friday morning. Despite a hard-fought effort, the RedHawks (0-1) dropped a three-set decision to the Hilltoppers (1-0).
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Miami took the opening point of the match and were within three of WKU early on, 5-8, but the Hilltoppers went on to collect a 25-8 win in the opening set.
• The RedHawks again took the opening point of the set on a block by Sylvia Koenig and Maggie McCrary. WKU led by as many as four, but Miami chiseled away and knotted the set at 18-18 and again at 19-19 off an Ellie Hanson kill. Miami was within one at 22-23, but WKU held on for the 25-22 win in the second set.
• A kill from Brooke Jackson gave Miami the first point for a third straight set. Miami stayed within two midway through the set, 9-11, but WKU used an 8-0 run to extend its lead and went on to a 25-12 win in the third set.

NOTES:

• Hanson and Jackson paced Miami in their first matches as RedHawks with seven kills apiece. Hanson added a team-leading eight digs.
• Twelve different RedHawks saw action against WKU.
• Hanson, Jackson, Hayden Hicks, Gentry Warrick and Sylvia Koenig each saw their first action as RedHawks.

 
UP NEXT:
It's a quick turnaround for the RedHawks, who take on Kansas City in their second match of the Bradley Invitational at 4 p.m. (ET) on Friday, Aug. 26.