FROSTBURG, Md. — Frostburg State (6-9, 1-3 MEC) edged out West Liberty (9-10, 2-2 MEC) in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference matchup on Friday night, earning a 3-1 victory at Bobcat Arena. Set scores were 25-21, 28-30, 25-19, and 25-22.

The Hilltoppers started strong in the opening set, taking an early lead behind a service ace from Dakoda Keni and kills from Liv McAtee and Amira DuPree. West Liberty extended its advantage to 13-10 before the Bobcats rallied back with steady offense and timely blocks to claim the set, 25-21.

West Liberty battled back in a thrilling second set, which featured multiple lead changes and long rallies. Ashley Cudnik and Adrienne Staib delivered key kills to keep the Hilltoppers in front, while Erin Blackston and Grace Hill anchored the defense with several clutch stops. With the score tied late, Blackston came through with back-to-back kills to seal a 30-28 win and even the match at one set apiece.

Frostburg State jumped out to an early lead in the third and never trailed, despite a late push from the Hilltoppers fueled by Cudnik's offense. The Bobcats closed it out, 25-19, to retake the match lead.

In the fourth, West Liberty once again came out strong, taking an early 8-4 lead behind kills from Cudnik and Bella Dart. The Bobcats regrouped midway through the set, tying the score at 13-13 before using a string of service aces and timely blocks to pull ahead. Dart sparked a late WLU rally with a pair of aces to cut the deficit to 23-22, but Frostburg State held on to take the set, 25-22, and the match.

Cudnik led the Hilltoppers with 24 kills and 26.5 points, while Keni handed out 46 assists and added 12 digs. Dart paced the defense with 18 digs, and Hill contributed four kills and three block assists at the net.

West Liberty returns home Tuesday night to host Wheeling in another MEC matchup. First serve is set for 7 p.m. inside the ASRC.