LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Jessica Austin, Natasha Fomina and Lexie Bradley each turned in .400-plus attack percentages, combining for 35 kills as North Alabama defeated West Alabama 3-0 in Gulf South Conference action at Pruitt Hall on Tuesday.

The Lions improve to 16-3 on the season, moving to 8-3 against conference opposition. The Tigers fall to 12-8 overall, dropping to 5-6 in the league.

"Our offensive performance was great, but we struggled on the defensive side of the ball," UWA head coach Alexis Meeks said. "We started off really well, making sure to counter their attack with our blocking. Unfortunately, we had several net errors in the third set that cost us."

"We were in the right position in the first two sets, but when you can't make the defensive plays to extend the rally, you aren't going to have many opportunities to score points."

The Lions started quickly in the first set, jumping out to an 8-2 lead before the Tigers went on a 6-1 run to trail 9-8. UNA held off the UWA counter attack, keeping a two-point advantage throughout the remainder of the set to win set one 25-20.

UWA and UNA swapped command of set two six times with the Lions pulling away after a 13-13 tie midway through the set. North Alabama outscored West Alabama 12-7 to close out the second set, earning another 25-20 victory.

North Alabama never trailed in third set, taking control early on to earn a 25-17 victory, completing the sweep in three straight sets.

Briana Sandifer led the Tiger attack, posting 12 kills on the night. Yanesha Johnson totaled seven kills while recording a .316 attack percentage. Abby Ames led the defense with 10 digs. Liz Woodard tallied four blocks for UWA, followed by Taylin McCarver with three.

Fomina led the Lions' offensive effort, finishing with 15 kills on a .464 attack percentage. Austin and Bradley each accounted for 10 kills. Austin hit .600 on the night, and Bradley hit .434. Peyton Lang led UNA defensively with 13 digs.

The Tigers will travel to Orlando, Florida, for the Sunshine State Conference Crossover, taking on Nova Southeastern and Eckerd College on Friday. West Alabama will play NSU at 10 a.m. and EC at 2:30 p.m.