PITTSBURGH — West Liberty swept Point Park 25-22, 25-20, 25-17 on Tuesday at Student Center Gym . The Hilltoppers dominated the match with a .167 hitting percentage compared to the Pioneers' .061. West Liberty's serving was a key factor, as they recorded eight aces against the Pioneers' four, contributing to their decisive victory.
West Liberty began the first set with a sluggish start, trailing 0-2 after early attack errors. However, Kyia White and Adrienne Staib quickly responded with kills, keeping West Liberty close at 3-4. Point Park extended their lead to 6-3, but West Liberty narrowed the gap again with a kill from Amira DuPree, bringing the score to 6-8.
Midway through the set, West Liberty capitalized on Point Park errors and service mistakes, evening the score at 13-13 after an attack error by Nicole Reasbeck. The momentum swung in West Liberty's favor as they took their first lead at 14-13 following a series of attack errors by Point Park. Grace Hill's kill stretched the advantage to 16-14.
In the closing stages, DuPree's consistent performance, including two crucial kills, secured the set for West Liberty. Despite a late surge from Point Park, West Liberty clinched the first set 25-22, thanks to DuPree's back-to-back kills, concluding the set with a three-point cushion.
West Liberty began the second set with a steady performance, overcoming an initial disadvantage. Staib and Liv McAtee delivered key kills to shift momentum in West Liberty's favor, pushing the score to a 4-2 advantage. The team maintained pressure with effective plays from Ashley Cudnik and strong service aces by White, extending the lead to 8-6.
As Point Park fought back to level the score, West Liberty responded with strategic plays, including a critical kill by DuPree and a service ace that widened the gap once more. Defensive efforts, notably from McAtee's block, were pivotal in maintaining the lead.
Despite Point Park's persistent attempts to close the gap, West Liberty held firm, with McAtee and Hill securing the final points. West Liberty concluded the set with a 25-20 victory, maintaining their momentum into the next set.
West Liberty initiated the third set with a strong offensive push, highlighted by McAtee's opening kill assisted by Dakoda Keni. Keni followed with a service ace, helping West Liberty secure an early 3-0 lead. The team maintained momentum as Lily Brinker delivered consecutive service aces, pushing the advantage to 12-3.
Point Park attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 13-9 with a series of successful plays by Avery Budrys Rini. However, West Liberty responded with a strategic attack, including key kills from DuPree and Cudnik, extending their control at 16-9.
As the set progressed, West Liberty effectively capitalized on Point Park's errors and maintained a steady lead. The set concluded with West Liberty securing a 25-17 win, highlighted by a decisive block by Keni and Staib, closing the set and ensuring a strong finish.
McAtee led the West Liberty offense by recording nine kills and a .421 hitting percentage across three sets, contributing to her 10 points. Keni facilitated the attack with 25 assists and added 13 digs defensively. DuPree was effective at the service line, delivering two aces and compiling 11 total points. Cudnik supported the effort with eight kills and nine digs, finishing with 9.5 points.
The next challenge for West Liberty's team comes on the road, as they face Frostburg State on Friday, with play beginning at 7 p.m.
