LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama battled back to defeat Christian Brothers 30-28 in set three and complete the three set sweep victory in Gulf South Conference volleyball action at Pruitt Hall Friday.

The Buccaneers served four set points in set three, before the Tigers tied the score at 28-28. UWA won sets two and three 25-20 and 25-23 respectively.

The win improves West Alabama to 11-18 overall, with a chance of clinching the sixth seed in the GSC Tournament with a 9-10 league record. Christian Brothers falls to 8-21 and 4-15.

"We did a great job of dictating the pace from the very first serve through sets one and two and early in set three," said UWA head coach Jordan Lay.

"We got a little lazy in the final set and that's why it got tight at the end. However, I am really proud of how the team was able to refocus and finish out that set. Christian Brothers really made us work for it there at the end. It's really exciting for us to be able to pull out a win like this, this late in the season."

Brianna Sandifer and Yanesha Johnson combined for 11 kills in the third set to seal the Tigers victory. Sandifer led the team with 13 kills, while Johnson finished with 11. Callie Murphy supported the attack with 25 assists.

For the third straight match, Abby Ames led the defense with 11 digs. Johnson and Taylin McCarver combined on the lone team block.
UWA combined to hit .267 attack percentage, while the Buccaneers combined for .244. Alexis Gillis and Brinsley Cooper led CBU with a combined 21 kills.

"There are some areas we need to continue to work on, but tonight is a really big step for us in our push for the conference tournament," Lay said.  

West Alabama sits sixth in the GSC rankings, one spot ahead of its final regular season opponent, Union University. The Tigers will face off against the Bulldogs in Pruitt Hall Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The winner of the match will advance to GSC Tournament.

The match is slated as the Tigers "Senior Night" as they will honor veterans Morgan Ray and Kimberly Hernandez prior to the start of the game.     

"Morgan has been her for four years and it will be a special night for her, closing out her career," said Lay. "Kimberly coming in here and making the impact she has, is exactly what you look for in a transfer player. I think both will feel very honored and special in what they have achieved in their careers, but also I hope we give them a big send off with a great win and keep their careers going for another game or two."