INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State University defeated West Liberty University in a three-set sweep (25-23, 25-21, 25-15) at the Walker Convocation Center on Friday evening. With strong performances from multiple players, WVSU improved their record to 16-9 overall and 10-1 in the MEC, while West Liberty fell to 13-12 and 7-3 in conference play. It's WVSU's sixth straight sweep and 13th this season.
In a balanced team effort, WVSU's Baby Moleni led the offense with 12 kills, supported by Maureen Mathews's 11 kills. Setter Kiersten Eggleton dished out 35 assists, while libero Morgan Caba contributed defensively with 17 digs and added six service aces.
Ashley Cudnik paced West Liberty with seven kills and Dakoda Keni recorded 11 assists. Despite solid contributions, WLU struggled with 19 attack errors, which WVSU capitalized on to maintain momentum.
WVSU established an early lead in the opening set, but West Liberty stayed within reach. With contributions from Baby Moleni, who led the team with kills, and consistent play from Maureen Mathews, WVSU maintained their advantage. Despite West Liberty narrowing the margin late in the set, WVSU held on to secure the 25-23 win. The first set was the most contested with seven ties and six lead changes throughout.
The second set was also tightly contested, with both teams exchanging points and leads early. Setter Kiersten Eggleton recorded multiple assists, distributing effectively to WVSU's hitters, including Mathews and Valencia Wilder. WVSU's libero, Morgan Caba, added crucial digs and service pressure, helping the Yellow Jackets pull ahead in the later stages of the set. WLU couldn't rally back, and WVSU closed the set at 25-21.
The Yellow Jackets hit a match-high .312, led by Moleni and Mathews on the attack. Caba's serving was instrumental, adding 6 aces overall, which created a comfortable cushion for WVSU. West Liberty struggled with errors, allowing WVSU to capitalize and finish the match decisively, 25-15.
WVSU hits the road on Monday, Nov. 4 for a 7:00 p.m. match against the Glenville State Pioneers at the Waco Center in Glenville, W.Va.
