Alma 2:17

and they began to slay the Amlicites upon the hill east of Sidom. And the Amlicites did contend with the Nephites with great strength, insomuch that many of the Nephites did fall before the Amlicites;

They started killing the Amlicites on the hill east of Sidon. The Amlicites fought hard. Many Nephites were killed.

They clashed with the Amlicites on the hill east of Sidon. The Amlicites fought with brutal strength, and many Nephites fell.