DUNBAR, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball team pushed two sets beyond 25 points but came up short in a 3-1 loss to West Virginia State on Friday at Walker Convocation Center. The Hilltoppers fell by set scores of 20-25, 26-24, 18-25 and 26-28.
West Liberty (9-17, 8-4 MEC) finished with 46 kills, 12 service aces and 72 digs but hit .127 for the match. West Virginia State (11-11, 7-5 MEC) recorded 55 kills, hit .219 and held a 10-6 advantage in total blocks.
The Hilltoppers rallied to claim the second set after trailing late, then nearly forced a decisive fifth set before the Yellow Jackets closed out the fourth, 28-26.
West Liberty erased a 22-20 deficit in the second set, taking a 24-22 lead behind a
Sidney Keni kill and three consecutive service points from
Amira DuPree. West Virginia State answered to tie the score at 24, but an attack error and an
Adrienne Staib service ace secured the 26-24 win for the Hilltoppers.
West Liberty again showed its ability to build momentum in the fourth set, turning a 12-11 deficit into an 18-13 advantage. Staib delivered back-to-back service aces during the run. The Hilltoppers later reached a 24-22 lead, but West Virginia State rallied to force extra points and claimed the set, 28-26.
The Yellow Jackets took the opening set, 25-20, after breaking a 19-19 tie with four straight points. West Virginia State then pulled away in the third set after West Liberty briefly fought back from an early deficit, taking the frame 25-18.
DuPree led West Liberty with 11 kills and 15 points while adding four service aces and 14 digs.
Dakoda Keni recorded 37 assists and a team-high 21 digs. Staib contributed eight kills, five service aces and three block assists, while
Taylor Speake finished with 19 digs and six assists.
The Hilltoppers return to action Monday, with a road matchup against Point Park.
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.
