WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The West Liberty University volleyball team lost a four-set heartbreaker to visiting Charleston in a Mountain East Conference cross-divisional match this evening inside the Academic, Sports, and Recreation Center.

Set three proved to be the difference maker after the team's split the first two. The Hilltoppers were just a point away from taking the 2-1 lead, but Charleston fended off five consecutive set points and went on to take the pivotal third frame in extra points, 27-25. 

In set one, Charleston took control with a 9-2 run to go up 18-11. The Golden Eagles held West Liberty to an .080 hitting percentage in the opener and won it 25-15.

The Hilltoppers started set two strong with five of the first six points and never trailed to even the match at a set apiece, 25-19. Charleston tied things at eight, but an 8-3 'Topper run ensued.

The Golden Eagles closed things out with a 25-20 victory in set four scoring six of the last nine points.

Kaija Sydlowski and Kirsten Bogunovich each recorded double-doubles. Sydlowski paced the attack with 12 kills and made 14 digs, while Bogunovich just missed a triple-double with 22 assists, 10 kills, and eight digs.

Nyia Setla led the defense with a season-high 38 digs and Ruby Countryman added four blocks at the net.

West Liberty returns to MEC North Division play on Tuesday. Notre Dame College visits the hilltop for a 7 pm serve.

Follow the Hilltoppers all season online at HilltopperSports.com as well as on Twitter (@WLU_Volleyball | @WLathletics), Instagram (@wlu_volleyball | @wlu_athletics), and Facebook.

Coach Riley Schenk Postgame Interview ↓