WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University volleyball team dropped a pair of matches Friday on the opening day of the West Liberty Invitational, falling to California (Pa.), 3-0, before dropping a 3-0 decision to Clarion later in the day at the ASRC.
The Hilltoppers will return to action Saturday with a pair of matches, facing Gannon at noon before closing the tournament against Shippensburg at 5 p.m.
West Liberty battled California (Pa.) through much of the second set, taking an 11-8 lead after trailing 7-6 before eventually falling 25-22. The Hilltoppers dropped the opening set 25-14 and the third 25-16.
Amira DuPree led West Liberty with eight kills and 13 digs, while
Dakoda Keni finished with 13 assists and two kills.
Kaelynn Burge added 11 assists and seven digs, and
Julia Birck recorded four total blocks.
The Hilltoppers finished with 28 kills and hit .045 for the match, while California (Pa.) totaled 41 kills and hit .259.
West Liberty showed more early momentum against Clarion, jumping to an 8-3 lead in the second match before the Golden Eagles answered with nine straight points. The Hilltoppers battled back to within 16-14 but Clarion held on for a 25-20 second-set victory after taking the opener 25-17.
The Hilltoppers appeared poised to force a fourth set after building a 22-17 advantage in the third. West Liberty took four straight points during DuPree's service turn, including back-to-back kills from
Sidney Keni, but Clarion responded with the final eight points to complete the sweep, 25-22.
Dakoda Keni recorded 18 assists, 10 digs, two kills and an ace against Clarion, while
Taylor Speake collected 17 digs and three assists. DuPree added eight kills, 11 digs and an ace, and
Sidney Keni had eight kills while hitting .208.
West Liberty finished the Clarion match with 28 kills, 28 attack errors and a .000 hitting percentage while collecting 50 digs and four aces.
The Hilltoppers will look to close the tournament on a strong note Saturday when they take on Gannon at noon before meeting Shippensburg at 5 p.m. Both matches will be played at the ASRC.
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.
