WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Host West Liberty University came up just short in its second match of the day in their own Invitational on Friday, falling to Clarion in a five-set thriller, 25-19, 17-25, 25-22, 21-25, 17-15, at ASRC. The match featured a competitive back-and-forth, with Clarion ultimately prevailing in the decisive fifth set. The Golden Eagles recorded three aces in their victory, while West Liberty had eight block solos.
The first set opened with a balanced exchange of points, as both teams traded early leads. Dakoda Keni facilitated several key plays, with assists on kills by Ashley Cudnik and Liv McAtee, keeping the score tight at 5-5. Despite a strong effort from Kyia White, who recorded multiple kills throughout the set, the Golden Eagles pulled ahead midway with a series of kills by Raegan Stader and Emily Klopp, extending their lead to 20-13. West Liberty attempted a late rally with a block by Sidney Keni and additional kills from White, but Clarion secured the set win at 25-19.
The Hilltoppers responded in the second set, taking control early behind key plays from White and Cudnik. Dakoda Keni dished out four early assists, including one to her sister Sidney Keni, as West Liberty jumped ahead 4-1. Despite some mid-set miscues, the hosts maintained momentum, and Ashley Cudnik capped the set with a block on Karlee Berchtold's attack to even the match with a 25-17 win.
The third set featured another back-and-forth battle. West Liberty held close thanks to consecutive kills from White and steady play from Cudnik, but Clarion edged ahead late. A kill by Grayson Kinsman sealed the set for the Golden Eagles, 25-22.
Backed by the home crowd, the Hilltoppers pushed the match to a decisive fifth set with a gritty performance in the fourth. A serving run by White, including three straight aces, helped West Liberty stretch its lead to 24-18 before closing it out, 25-21.
In the deciding frame, the hosts rallied from a 4-2 deficit to lead 8-4 behind a Sidney Keni service ace and a Grace Hill block. West Liberty continued to battle, with McAtee and White delivering clutch kills to make it 14-11. However, Clarion mounted a late comeback, tying the set at 14 before pulling out a 17-15 win to spoil the Hilltoppers' upset bid.
Cudnik led West Liberty with 18 kills and 13 digs, totaling 20 points. White added 13 kills, five service aces, and 24 digs in a standout two-way effort. Dakoda Keni directed the offense with 30 assists while also collecting 10 digs, and Sidney Keni anchored the net with five blocks and eight kills on a .375 hitting percentage.
Next up for the Hilltoppers on day two of the invitational they face Shippensburg at 11 a.m. at the ASRC.
