LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama downed Lee University 3-0 in Gulf South Conference volleyball action in Pruitt Hall Friday. The Tigers never trailed in the opening two sets, winning 25-18 and 25-17 before dropping its lead just once in the third set in a 25-21 victory.

West Alabama improves to 5-9 overall and 3-4 in the GSC. Lee drops its third straight match to fall to 5-6 and 1-5.

"I'm very happy with the team's performance tonight, especially coming off of a tough loss," said UWA head coach Jordan Lay. "We definitely had a chip on our shoulder and were out to prove something on our home court. We have to continue to win these next few matches to put ourselves in contention for the GSC tournament.

"The girls really had a good energy tonight and were very aggressive from the start," said Lay. "Our attack in general was very successful. It was good to see the team attack as successfully and efficiently as they did. Our defense also did an excellent job, giving us opportunities to score."  

UWA combined with a .301 attack percentage and held the Flames to .105. The Tigers came out hitting .214, while holding Lee to .000. In set two the Tigers established their season best single-set attack percentage with .448. Morgan Ray led the squad with 14 kills, hitting .250.  Callie Murphy supported the attack with 35 assists.

Abby Ames set the tone early, helping the Tigers to a 6-0 start in set one with two service aces. Ray, who led the offense with four kills in the first set, posted her single-set high of the match with seven in the second set. Brianna Sandifer and Yanesha Johnson led the final set with five kills each.

Lee lead set three from the start taking a 15-12 lead before the Tigers went on a 10 point run with Kimberly Hernandez serving. Hernandez finished with .944 serve percentage with one ace and one error in 18 attempts. She went on to lead the Tigers with 17 digs; six in each set one and two.

West Alabama led the team blocking effort 8-5, with Jaime Lancellot totaling four. Ray and Sandifer each finished with one solo block.

West Alabama volleyball will wrap up its three-match home stand against Alabama Huntsville on Tuesday. The match is set for 7 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.