SALEM, W.Va. — West Liberty swept Salem 25-18, 25-12, 25-16 on Tuesday at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium. West Liberty's dominant performance was highlighted by nine total blocks and eight service aces. The Tigers struggled offensively, posting a .092 hitting percentage. The victory was sealed in a swift three-set match.
West Liberty initiated the first set with a strong offensive display, quickly taking advantage of an attack error by Salem's Alexandra Vigneron. The visitors maintained their momentum, with pivotal contributions from Adrienne Staib and Amira DuPree, who each secured key kills to keep West Liberty ahead.
Midway through the set, West Liberty capitalized on the Tigers' errors, including service and attack mistakes, allowing them to widen their lead. The set concluded with a decisive service ace by Dakoda Keni, securing a 25-18 victory for West Liberty.
West Liberty seized control in the second set with a decisive run, highlighted by Ashley Cudnik's effective offense, including multiple kills. Momentum shifted firmly in West Liberty's favor when Dakoda Keni contributed a service ace and facilitated crucial kills, contributing to a substantial lead. Despite a few service errors, West Liberty maintained command, closing the set with a service ace from Jarynn Hartman. The set ended with West Liberty leading 25-12.
West Liberty began the third set with a strong performance, taking an early 2-0 lead with a service ace from Dakoda Keni and a block by Liv McAtee. Despite Salem's brief equalization at 2-2, West Liberty quickly regained momentum, highlighted by Sidney Keni's kill and an attack error forced by Ashley Cudnik to make it 4-2.
West Liberty maintained control, extending their lead to 8-3, with contributions from Kyia White and a crucial block by Sidney Keni. The Tigers attempted a comeback, closing the gap to 8-7, but West Liberty responded firmly. Supported by a series of errors from the Tigers and key kills from Liv McAtee and Grace Hill, West Liberty pushed ahead 17-9.
As the set progressed, West Liberty continued to capitalize on the Tigers' mistakes, with Dakoda Keni playing a pivotal role in securing points. Ashley Cudnik's service ace extended the lead to 21-14, and a subsequent ace by Sidney Keni brought the score to 24-15. Grace Hill sealed the set with a kill, ending the set 25-16. West Liberty clinched the match with this decisive win, concluding the game.
Dakoda Keni facilitated the offense with 34 assists and added three aces across three games. Ashley Cudnik recorded 12 kills while also contributing 11 digs and one block. Liv McAtee bolstered the defense with three solo blocks, adding three kills. Adrienne Staib tallied five kills and three blocks in two games, maintaining a .625 hitting percentage.
The next challenge for West Liberty will be a match against West Virginia State Friday at 7 pm at the ASRC.
