HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team stormed into Ashby Gymnasium on the campus of Oakwood University to a 3-0 sweep of the Ambassadors on Tuesday evening. 

UWA picks up its first win of the season, improving to 1-4, while Oakwood (2-1) suffered its first loss of the season. 

"It was a good time to go out there and practice the things we've been able to practice and put it out on the court. Tonight gave us an opportunity for us to go out there and show what we are capable of. Our freshmen were able to play and compete at this level. Oakwood challenged us to play hard, and I pray that they will develop into a great squad," said head coach John Schmidt. 

The Tigers got the offense going early in the match, launching 15 kills to the Ambassadors' one as UWA won the opener 25-13. Additionally, West Alabama held Oakwood to a -.200 swing percentage. 

In the second frame, after a service error by Oakwood to tie the set at five, West Alabama used the side-out for a big rally, as they won six straight points and 18 of the next 21 to make it a 19-11 advantage. The Ambassadors did make it interesting late, taking four straight points to cut the deficit to 22-17, but another service error gave the ball back to UWA and won the final three points, 25-17. 

UWA came out swinging in the third set, posting a .320 hitting percentage (13-5-25) in the frame and allowing five kills to the home team en route to a 25-18 set score. 

For the match, West Alabama spiked 36 kills and allowed their opponents to 10 kills and a -.090 swing percentage. 

The Tigers got into the record books on Tuesday night with the program's 18 aces, matching the sixth-most in school history joining the 18 against Faulkner (Ala.) in 2002. This is the first time UWA has pinned 16 or more aces in a match since tying the school record of 22 versus Judson in 2005. 

Chyna Dixon led the Tigers with nine kills and added eight assists. Ally Craig posted 10 digs, five kills and added a game-high five aces. 

Anna Jones led the Ambassadors with three kills. 

UWA will continue the road swing this weekend with the Henderson State Invitational. The tournament begins on Thursday with matches against the hosts and Western New Mexico.