LIVINGSTON, Ala. –  The University of West Alabama volleyball team remained unblemished in the Gulf South Conference East Division after toppling in-state rival North Alabama, 3-1 on Tuesday night at Pruitt Hall.

With the win, UWA extends its win streak to eight straight and improved to 17-5 overall and 2-0 in the league play.  The UNA match was UWA’s first since being idle since Sept. 26.  The win marks the first time in UWA history that the Tigers have turned in wins over West Florida and UNA in the same season.  The Tigers took control of first place in the GSC East with their second GSC affair.

After the Lions (10-10, 3-2 GSC) claimed the opening set, 26-24, the Tigers de-clawed the Lions in the next three sets to clinch the match (25-12, 25-19, 25-15).  UWA turned in a .265 hitting clip as a team, while holding UNA to just .132.  A trio of Tigers paced the offense, led by senior Jessica Crook’s match-best 17 kills.  The Brazilian tandem of senior Ana Gabriela Pedrosa and junior Thais Hollerbach finished with 12 kills apiece.  Pedrosa and Hollerbach also carded double-doubles as both posted 12 and 19 digs respectively.  Hollerbach shared match-high dig honors with senior Chanelle Esteban.  Sophomore setter Alexis McHale dished out 48 assists along with pocketing three kills.  Senior Brittney Cousin chipped in seven kills while Jordan Kent added six.

UNA’s Sarah Roberts finished with 14 kills to pace the Lions.

UWA continues its season-long four-match homestand this weekend, facing West Georgia on Friday night and Valdosta State on Saturday.  The UWG tilt is set for 7 p.m. at Pruitt Hall.  The VSU affair will precede the UWA-Delta State football game at 11 a.m.