OWENSBORO, Ky. - The University of West Alabama Volleyball team continued their challenging 2024 season, competing in the Kentucky Wesleyan Tournament over the weekend.

Despite battling hard, the Tigers fell in two matches on Saturday, September 14, against Illinois Springfield and Lake Superior State.

Match One: West Alabama vs. Illinois Springfield

Illinois Springfield defeated UWA 3-0 in their first match of the day (25-8, 25-10, 25-16). The Tigers struggled offensively, hitting a negative percentage in the first set and finishing the match with a hitting percentage of -.012. At the same time, Illinois Springfield executed their attacks efficiently with a .377 hitting percentage. West Alabama's efforts improved slightly in the third set, but it wasn't enough to overcome UIS's strong play.

Key players for the Tigers included Jaida Alvin, who recorded five kills and 10 digs, and Taylor Lamontagne, who led the team with 10 assists. Gracie Huver and Skylar Fick contributed two blocks each for the Tigers' defense.

Match Two: West Alabama vs. Lake Superior State

Later in the day, the Tigers took on Lake Superior State, falling 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-14). West Alabama showed signs of improvement but couldn't break through as Lake Superior State's balanced attack and solid blocking gave them control of the match. Despite posting a .000 hitting percentage, the Tigers managed 27 kills but were ultimately out-blocked and outserved by their opponents.

Jaida Alvin again led the Tigers with nine kills and one block, while Taylor Lamontagne dished out 14 assists. Defensively, KB Kinney had a strong showing with 12 digs, and Cloe Bonvillain added four kills and nine digs.

The Tigers, now 0-8 on the season, will look to regroup and secure their first win in their upcoming match against Stillman College on Thursday, September 19th, at 6:00 p.m.