ATHENS, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball team came up just short on Saturday afternoon, falling to Concord University in four tightly contested sets, 25-21, 25-23, 17-25, and 25-22, inside the Carter Center, snapping the Toppers four-game win streak.
The Hilltoppers posted 53 kills and 66 digs while holding their own at the net, but Concord's balanced attack — featuring 64 kills and five service aces — proved to be the difference. West Liberty (now winners of seven of its last nine matches) continued to show strong offensive form, highlighted by another standout performance from Ashley Cudnik, who powered the Hilltopper offense with 25 kills, a .568 hitting percentage, and 26 total points.
The opening two sets were tightly contested throughout. In the first, Liv McAtee and Adrienne Staib sparked early momentum with key kills, while Kyia White added a pair of late-point swings to keep the Hilltoppers within reach before Concord closed it out, 25-21.
The second set saw the Hilltoppers rally from behind, pulling even at 19-19 after kills from Cudnik and Grace Hill and a defensive stand by Staib and McAtee. Despite the push, Concord managed to edge ahead in the closing moments to take a 25-23 decision.
West Liberty responded emphatically in the third, dominating from start to finish. Cudnik caught fire with multiple kills, and Keni distributed the offense efficiently with 12 assists in the frame. A strong blocking presence from Staib and White helped the Hilltoppers pull away for a 25-17 win.
In the fourth, West Liberty mounted another comeback effort behind three consecutive Cudnik kills and a pair of aces from Dakoda Keni, briefly taking a 12-10 lead. The Mountain Lions, however, countered with a late run to seal the set, 25-22, and the match.
Keni finished with 46 assists and 14 digs, while Staib anchored the defense at the net with six blocks. Bella Dart led the back line with 17 digs, while Grace Hill added timely kills and blocks throughout the match.
The Hilltoppers return to action on Tuesday night, traveling to Salem (W.Va.) for a non-conference matchup at 7 p.m.
