WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — West Liberty swept Davis & Elkins 25-20, 25-4, 25-12 on Friday at the ASRC. West Liberty's efficient attack was highlighted by their .422 hitting percentage, with 40 kills and just 5 errors. The team also recorded 5 service aces and 45 digs, dominating the matchup. The Senators struggled to find their rhythm, finishing with a negative hitting percentage of -.021 and only 19 kills.
West Liberty began the first set with a balanced performance against the Senators. After trailing early, West Liberty found momentum with a series of plays, including a service ace from Amira DuPree and a kill from Jarynn Hartman, which helped them edge ahead. Dakoda Keni's consistent setting facilitated multiple kills, enabling West Liberty to maintain their advantage.
As the set progressed, West Liberty capitalized on the Senators' errors and built a steady lead. Key contributions from players like Adrienne Staib and Ashley Cudnik were instrumental in extending the margin. Despite a late push from the Senators, West Liberty closed the set with a 25-20 lead, setting a strong tone for the match.
West Liberty seized control early in the second set, with Liv McAtee delivering a key kill to set the tone. A service ace from the team and successive errors by the Senators helped West Liberty establish a commanding lead. Key contributions came from Adrienne Staib, who delivered multiple kills, and Erin Blackston, who added effective attacks to extend the advantage.
The momentum remained firmly with West Liberty as Ashley Cudnik and Staib continued their scoring runs. Service errors from the Senators and an efficient attack from West Liberty's players, including a service ace and kills by Cudnik, widened the gap. The set concluded with West Liberty's strong finish, capitalizing on ball handling errors by the opponent, resulting in a decisive 25-4 victory to close the set.
West Liberty capitalized on a series of errors by the Senators to seize early control in the third set. Grace Hill and Sidney Keni delivered key kills, supported by Dakoda Keni's assists, propelling the home team to a 9-2 advantage.
West Liberty maintained momentum with contributions from Jarynn Hartman and Amira DuPree, extending the lead to 15-5. Despite brief resistance from the Senators, who managed a few successful plays, West Liberty's defense, including blocks by Hill, kept the visitors at bay.
Ashley Cudnik's team closed the set with a decisive sequence, using opponent errors to seal a 25-12 victory, securing the match.
Dakoda Keni led the team with 36 assists over three games, providing a strong setting foundation. Adrienne Staib posted an impressive eight kills on eight attempts, achieving a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage. Ashley Cudnik contributed with seven kills and two service aces, while also recording seven digs. Grace Hill added seven kills and three blocks, rounding out a robust performance for the team.
Up next for West Liberty is a home match against West Virginia Wesleyan Saturday at 1 p.m.
