LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of Alabama in Huntsville volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision to Gulf South Conference foe West Alabama on Tuesday evening at Pruitt Hall. With the loss, UAH falls to 7-18 on the year, 2-7 in the GSC, while UWA improves to 17-8 overall and 5-3 in league play.


Despite being tagged with the loss, the Lady Chargers saw senior Jessica Ruple notch a career night, putting together a double-double of 18 kills and 20 digs – both were season-best numbers. The double-double marks the eighth of the season for Ruple.


In addition, UAH had two players with hitting percentages over .400 for the match as juniors Kelly Wilson and Kelsey Williams posted clips of .545 and .421 with six and eight kills, respectively. As a team, the Lady Chargers tallied a .272 hitting percentage.


With the score tied at 14 in the opening set, the Lady Chargers used an 8-2 run to gain a comfortable lead and eventually claim the set, 25-20.


UWA answered with a 25-22 victory in the second game to even the match, and continued to pressure UAH with a 17-10 lead midway through the third set. However, the Lady Chargers would take 12 of the next 17 points to tie the set at 22. Unfortunately, UWA was able to take the game, 26-24.


The Tigers carried the momentum into the fourth set, seizing control and never trailing in the set as UWA put away the match with a 25-17 victory. UWA hit .361 in the set, while UAH was held to a .083 in the day's final set. The Tigers' had four players post double-digit kills in the match led by Sadle Beam's 19, while hitting .267 as a team.


UAH returns to action with a pair of road conference contests this weekend, facing Valdosta State on Friday and West Georgia on Saturday. The matches are slated for 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. (CDT), respectively.