LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team swept Valdosta State 3-0 in their return to Pruitt Hall, grabbing their first Gulf South Conference victory to open up their home schedule on Friday.

The Tigers improve to 7-3 overall on the season, moving to 1-1 in league action. The Blazers fall to 3-6, dropping to 1-1 in conference play.

"This team really showed what they are capable of today," UWA head coach Alexis Meeks said. "They kept their composure when they fell behind, and did what they needed to come out on top."

"We identified the problems we made earlier in the week and worked to correct them in practice. I couldn't be happier with how this team stepped up and fought through adversity tonight."

West Alabama never trailed in the first set, grabbing a 1-0 advantage with a 25-21 set victory but was forced to rally to take the final two sets.

The Tigers trailed 14-9 midway through the second set, finally pulling even with the Blazers at 20-20 with a service ace from Briana Sandifer. Yanesha Johnson gave UWA a 25-22 second set victory with kill on the set point.

After four lead changes in the third set, Callie Murphy setup Sandifer for a kill to give the Tigers a 23-22 edge late in the match. Murphy and Sandifer teamed up once more on the match point, as a kill from Sandifer gave UWA a 25-23 victory to sweep VSU.

Johnson earned her third double-double of the season with 14 kills and 11 digs. Sandifer compiled 13 kills on the night, following Sandifer as an offensive leader. Abby Ames led UWA on defense with 16 digs, followed by Alex Fuelling with 12.

Susanna Peonia led the Blazers' attack with 10 kills and posted 13 digs to pick up a double-double. Sydney Chick led VSU on the defensive side with 21 digs.

The Tigers will return to action, facing off against GSC-opponent West Florida on Saturday. First Serve is set for 1 p.m.