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LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Virginia Tech volleyball team faced the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers in its second of three games at the Kentucky Classic this afternoon and fell 3-0 (20-25, 16-25, 20-25). This is the first match in which the Hokies have not claimed at least two sets so far this season, as they move to 3-2 on the year, while WKU improves to 4-1.

The Hilltoppers took charge to begin the match as they put together an early 6-1 lead over the Hokies. Tech rallied back to tie it up at 9-9, but let WKU regain the lead. The Hokies were able to get back within two, making it 22-20 in favor of the Hilltoppers. Tech was unable to overcome the difference as WKU put up three straight points to finish off the set and begin the day with a 25-20 victory. Tech’s Cara Baarendse came up big at the net with four blocks in the opening set.

The Hokies got out to another slow start in the second set and were down 8-2 early on. The Hilltoppers never looked back as they continued to extend their lead. WKU did not allow the Hokies to get within less than six points and used 12 kills and four aces to earn the 25-16 second-set win.

WKU carried its momentum into the third set as play began similar to the first two sets. Tech got close but the Hilltoppers never let the Hokies get within reach of the lead. WKU eventually took the set 25-20, using 15 kills, compared to Tech’s 11, to close out the day.

On a slower offensive day, the Hokies were led by Baarendse on both sides of the net as she finished the day with a team-best five blocks and eight kills, while hitting at a .375 clip.

The impressive Hilltopper offense was led by Paige Wessel who tallied 12 kills, while boasting a team-best.556 hitting percentage. Jordyn Skinner also put down 12 kills as WKU put up 37 on the day.

Tech will wrap up play at the Kentucky Classic this evening and the Hokies will face host Kentucky at 7:30 p.m.

For updates on Virginia Tech volleyball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_VBall).