WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball team takes its four-match winning streak on the road Friday for a Mountain East Conference matchup against West Virginia State. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Walker Convocation Center in Institute, West Virginia.

The Hilltoppers enter the contest at 9-16 overall and 8-3 in conference play after sweeping Davis & Elkins, 3-0, on Tuesday at the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex. West Liberty has won four straight matches, including victories over Shawnee State, Concord and Davis & Elkins during its recent homestand.

West Liberty continues to be led offensively by sophomore outside hitter Amira DuPree, who has recorded 270 kills and ranks fourth in the MEC with an average of 3.00 kills per set. Senior setter Dakoda Keni leads the conference with 654 assists, averaging 7.27 per set, while freshman middle blocker Julia Birck ranks sixth in the league with a .320 hitting percentage.

Defensively, redshirt-freshman libero Taylor Speake has totaled 327 digs, averaging 4.30 per set, which ranks sixth in the conference. Speake has also recorded 34 service aces, ranking among the league leaders in that category.

West Virginia State enters Friday's matchup at 10-11 overall and 6-5 in MEC play, placing third in the South Division. The Yellow Jackets are looking to bounce back from a 3-1 loss at Concord on Tuesday after recording a pair of victories over Davis & Elkins and Point Park the previous weekend.

The Yellow Jackets feature one of the conference's most productive offenses, ranking fourth in the MEC with 12.29 kills per set and second with 11.64 assists per set. Outside hitter Marcelina Pyka has been a standout, ranking second in the conference with a .351 hitting percentage. West Virginia State ranks sixth in the MEC with a .166 team hitting percentage.

Friday's matchup carries conference implications for both programs as the regular season continues. West Liberty currently sits third in the North Division at 8-3 in league play, while West Virginia State is third in the South Division. The Hilltoppers will look to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the conference standings.

First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at the Walker Convocation Center in Institute, West Virginia.



West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.