PEPPER PIKE, Ohio — West Liberty swept Ursuline 25-13, 25-18, 25-14 on Tuesday at Sister Diana Stano Athletic Center. West Liberty's efficient attack, highlighted by a .325 hitting percentage, led the way. The Arrows struggled offensively, managing a .052 hitting percentage. West Liberty also recorded seven service aces, compared to Ursuline's one, securing a decisive victory.
West Liberty started strong in the first set, quickly establishing momentum with a 3-0 run initiated by Dakoda Keni's service ace at the onset. The visiting team continued to control the pace, with Liv McAtee and Kyia White contributing multiple kills, pushing the score to 13-4 midway through the set. Despite a brief rally from the Arrows, West Liberty closed the set decisively with a 25-13 win, highlighted by service aces from Adrienne Staib and a final kill by Kyia White, assisted by Keni.
West Liberty opened the second set with precision, as Kyia White and Ashley Cudnik each delivered early kills to establish a narrow lead. Dakoda Keni's back-to-back service aces extended the advantage to 11-5, showcasing the team's serving strength. Grace Hill and Sidney Keni closed the set with critical points, while Olivia Beldean's consistent setting facilitated a 25-18 victory, securing the set with strategic blocking and a service ace from Kyia White.
West Liberty began the third set with Dakoda Keni's serve leading to an early 2-0 advantage, capitalized by Ashley Cudnik's kill from Bella Dart. A tightly contested exchange of points followed, with Erin Blackston and Kyia White each contributing key kills to keep a slim lead. Olivia Beldean's pivotal playmaking facilitated a decisive 8-0 run, marked by multiple attack errors from the Arrows' Ellie Zoeckler, extending the lead to 22-11. White sealed the set with a final kill from Beldean, closing the period at 25-14.
Kyia White led the West Liberty team with 10 kills and added nine digs over three sets. Dakoda Keni contributed significantly with 13 assists and four service aces, enhancing the team's performance. Sidney Keni showcased efficiency by converting all three of her attack attempts for kills, achieving a perfect hitting percentage. Erin Blackston also added five kills and one block, contributing to the team's offensive and defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, Hilltoppers return home to host the West Liberty Invitational Friday and Saturday at the ASRC, they will take on California (Pa.) Friday, with first serve at 1 p.m.
