WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - The West Liberty University volleyball team began its home conference schedule with a 3-0 sweep of Alderson Broaddus this evening inside the Academic, Sports, and Recreation Center.

The Hilltoppers (11-6, 1-1) completed nine team blocks along with 43 digs holding the Battlers to a .000 hitting percentage. Offensively, West Liberty tied a season-high with 11 service aces.

Nyia Setla finished with a match-high five aces after rattling off four consecutive aces in the early parts of set three. Kaija Sydlowski served three aces and freshman Bella Dart added two for the Black and Gold.

West Liberty snapped a 12-12 tie in the opening set with a 7-1 run. Sydlowski had three kills on the run and then finished the opening set off with a slam after the AB serve reception was sent over.

An 8-1 scoring spree quickly turned a 9-8 deficit into a 16-10 lead for WLU in set two. The Hilltoppers cruised to a 2-0 set lead after that spree and ended the set winning nine of the final 12 rallies.

The Setla serves set the tone in the third frame and it was all West Liberty. The 'Topper defense held the Battlers to just four kills and a -.148 hitting percentage in the final set. Ruby Countryman made it official with the final two kills off assists from Kirsten Bogunovich, who led the team with 23 assists on the night.

Countryman led a balanced Hilltopper attack with 11 kills and a .471 hitting percentage in the match. WLU totaled 38 kills and hit above .300 for the third time this season, ending the night at .308.

Nina Billotto rose above the net four times for a block to lead all players. Countryman and Riley Cudnik posted three blocks each to add to the 'Topper defense at the net.

In addition to the match-high five aces, Setla charted a match-high 19 digs on the Hilltopper back line.

West Liberty is back in the ASRC for its next match on Tuesday night against Fairmont State. First serve is scheduled for 7 pm.

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