Women's Volleyball | 11/23/2016 10:31:00 AM

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty University head volleyball coach Kayla Mull has announced the signing of Philo (Ohio) High School standout Maddie Clayton.
A three-time Ohio Division II All-District standout for the Electrics, Clayton took advantage of the NCAA's early-signing period to commit to the Hilltoppers during a brief ceremony earlier this month at her high school.
"When I watched her on film, Maddie really caught my eye with her powerful arm swing, strong blocking technique and just her overall presence on the court," Mull said.
"I was very impressed by Maddie as a person when we had her in for a visit and I think she's really a great fit for our program, on and off the court. With her size and ability to compete, I'm confident Maddie will help our team continue to climb the ladder in the Mountain East Conference."
The 6-4 middle blocker was a fixture in the Philo lineup for the past three seasons. An intimidating presence at the net, Clayton was a 3-time Ohio Division II All-East District selection and also earned 3 straight first-team All-Muskingum Valley League honors.
The 2015 Muskingum Valley League Defensive Player of the Year, Clayton capped her career this fall as one of only two unanimous first-team picks on the coaches' All-Muskingum Valley League honor roll.
The newest Hilltopper joins a WLU volleyball program on the rise. 
West Liberty advanced to the semifinals of the Mountain East Conference Tournament earlier this month before falling to defending national champion Wheeling Jesuit. The Cardinals have never lost an MEC match but the Hilltoppers were the only conference team to take a set from WJU this fall.
Mull's Black and Gold squad wrapped up the season with a 23-14 record, which included a 10-6 mark and fourth-place finish in the MEC regular-season standings. The 23 wins are the most by a West Liberty team since  back-to-back 26-win seasons in 1981 and 1982 while the 10 conference wins are the most in league play since the 1987 squad posted an 11-7 record in West Virginia Conference action.