CLINTON, Miss. --- Mississippi College defeated West Alabama in a four-set match at A.E. Wood Coliseum on Friday evening. MC (5-7, 2-0 Gulf South Conference) secured the victory with set scores of 25-17, 25-12, 22-25, and 25-15.

Mary Grace Foster led the team with 15 kills on a .400 hitting percentage and added 16 assists and three aces. Rhaia Davey was a force at the net, amassing six total blocks and contributing 10 kills with a .467 hitting percentage. Samarin Kipple anchored the defense with 23 digs and chipped in nine assists. Meg Paparella added 11 kills and three service aces, playing a crucial role in both offense and defense.

MC opened the first set with strong offensive plays, highlighted by a pair of service aces from Foster, quickly establishing a lead. Davey added to the momentum with a service ace, pushing the score to 8-4 in favor of the Choctaws. 

The home team maintained their momentum through key plays, including kills from Paparella and Foster, extending their advantage to 16-12. Defensive efforts were highlighted by blocks from Cydney Mitchell, which helped MC keep the Tigers' scoring in check.

As the set neared its conclusion, the Blue and Gold capitalized on several attack errors by UWA and added crucial points through kills by Mitchell and Davey. The set closed with a kill by Felicity Pratt, sealing a decisive 25-17 win for MC.

The Choctaws seized control early in the second set with an impressive offensive surge. After a service error by West Alabama's Jana Petkovic, MC's Pratt, Davey, and Ellie Foco each recorded key kills to establish a 9-1 lead. Foster provided critical assists, contributing to a sustained scoring run that pressured UWA into errors.

As the set continued, MC maintained momentum with strong service aces from Paparella, extending the lead to 17-6. Despite a few setbacks, including some attack errors, the Choctaws consistently capitalized on UWA's mistakes. Davey and Audrianna Green added pivotal kills, reinforcing the team's advantage.

MC closed the set decisively, capitalizing on UWA errors and securing the win with a final score of 25-12, demonstrating their offensive strength and ability to capitalize on opponent errors.

In the third set, the Blue and Gold initially faced a deficit as UWA opened with a three-point lead, capitalizing on attack errors. However, MC responded with a strong sequence, initiated by Foster's kills and a service ace from Kipple, to take a temporary 6-4 lead.

Despite this momentum, the Tigers reclaimed control with a series of scoring plays, including two kills from Gracie Pierscinski, eventually building a 12-9 advantage. MC fought back with points from Paparella and Foster to narrow the gap to 18-15, but UWA maintained their edge.

As the set approached the close, MC made a late push with a service ace from Reese Regner and a kill by Pratt, closing the score to 24-22. However, UWA secured the set with a final point, winning 25-22.

The Choctaws opened the fourth set with decisive play, quickly gaining momentum through efficient execution. Foster contributed significantly, with multiple kills assisted by Regner, helping the team pull ahead 8-3. This early lead was supported by defensive blocks from Pratt and Davey, causing UWA to struggle with attack errors.

Midway through the set, MC maintained control by capitalizing on errors from UWA and executing key plays. Paparella and Mitchell added crucial points, extending the home team's lead to 17-12. Despite a brief rally from UWA, MC's consistent offensive pressure, highlighted by an ace from Kipple and another kill by Pratt, kept the momentum.

The set concluded with MC firmly in control, closing the set 25-15. A final kill by Paparella sealed the victory, showcasing the team's strong finishing ability and securing the decisive set win.

Looking ahead, Mississippi College will host AUM on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m.