WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball team capped off an emotional Senior Night in style Friday, defeating West Virginia State 3–1 inside the ASRC. The Hilltoppers took the match by scores of 25–22, 19–25, 26–24, and 25–21.

West Liberty (now 14–11, 7–4 MEC) matched the Yellow Jackets with 54 kills while outdigging them 75–66 and controlling the net with 15 team blocks.

 Outside hitter Ashley Cudnik led the Hilltoppers' attack with a dominant 22 kills and 18 digs, finishing with a match-high 24.5 points. Dakoda Keni ran the offense with 45 assists and 14 digs, while Grace Hill added 9 kills and 7 blocks, and Liv McAtee chipped in 10 kills and 8 blocks.

The Hilltoppers opened the night strong, closing the first set on a 5–2 run to edge the Yellow Jackets, 25–22. McAtee and Hill delivered key late kills, and a final WVSU attack error sealed the opening frame.

West Virginia State bounced back in the second set, using a late surge to even the match, 25–19.

The third set proved pivotal, as West Liberty jumped ahead 5–0 and fought off a late rally to take the set, 26–24. With the score tied at 24–24, Keni delivered a clutch kill before Kyia White served an ace to close out the set.

In the fourth, the Hilltoppers never trailed after an early burst from Cudnik and McAtee. West Liberty extended its lead to 11–7 midway through and held off a late WVSU push to secure the 25–21 clincher — fittingly ending on another Cudnik kill.

West Virginia State (14–13, 5–6 MEC) was led by Alyssa Hill and Kelsey McKeehan, who combined for 27 kills and eight service aces in the loss.

The Hilltoppers return to action Tuesday, Nov. 4, when they host Point Park in a nonconference matchup at 7 p.m. inside the ASRC.