CARROLLTON Ga. – University of West Alabama senior Morgan Ray matched her career high of 22 kills to lead the Tigers to 3-2 victory over the University of West Georgia in Gulf South Conference volleyball action Thursday.

West Alabama opened the match by winning set one 25-22. After falling behind in the ensuing two sets, falling 25-22 in each, the Tigers rallied back to win set four 25-18 and set five 15-13. The win lifts UWA to 4-8 overall and 2-3 in the GSC. West Georgia drops to 3-6 and 0-4.

"Tonight was a real battle and a great win to boost this team," said UWA head coach Jordan Lay.

"Our assistant coach, Alexis Meeks, said it best when she said 'the fifth set is what volleyball is about.' The girls didn't waste the opportunity we had in the fifth set and really worked for it. I would have liked for us to play a bit better in the second and third sets, but tonight really shows what kind of heart and resiliency we have. I am very proud of our team and am happy to come out of here with a win."

Ray set her record pace despite a stiff defensive showing by UWG at the net. She poted seven kills in set one, following it up with eight in kills in the third set, to tally .268 attack percentage.

The Wolves edged out UWA at the net with nine blocks, while the Tiger defense had eight. Jaida Allen led West Georgia with five block assists and Lindsey Thomas added two solo blocks. West Alabama was led at the net by Sarah Spaulding and Shanna Witt with three assisted blocks each.

Briana Sandifer followed Ray's lead with 11 total kills, leading in the team in the fifth set with three. Setter Callie Murphy set her season high with 37 assists in support of the attack.

Sandifer and Ray each compiled a double-double with 10 digs on defense. Vic Collins and Kimberly Hernandez led the Tigers with 21 digs each; a career best for Collins. Sam Burgess added her first double-double of the season with 17 assists and 11 digs, while Abby Ames also added 11 digs.

West Alabama volleyball returns home on Wednesday to play host to GSC opponent Shorter University. The match is set to start at 6 p.m. in Pruitt Hall.