The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazer Volleyball Wins Thriller, 3-2, Over Pittsburgh
10/18/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 18, 2002
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- UAB (8-13) defeated Pittsburgh (15-6) in a five-game thriller here Friday night at Bartow Arena. It marked the fourth consecutive win for the Lady Blazers, the longest winning streak of the season.
The Blazers jumped out on top quickly taking the first two games, 30-26 and 30-27. However, the Panthers would battle back to take game three, 31-29, and game four, 30-24. The fifth and decisive game was a back and forth battle; however, the Blazers were able to pull it out, 15-12. The five games were decided by a total of 18 points.
"I thought we had a great team effort all the way around," said UAB head coach Melinda Claiborne. "We've been struggling all season to put that kind of performance together and I think we really got it tonight. Our girls are starting to understand it and I really look for us to have a more consistent performance for the rest of the season."
Junior outside hitter Martina Shields posted double-digits in kills for the 16th match this season, posting 18 on the evening. The Scarborough, Ontario native also posted a team-best 20 digs on the night to mark her sixth double-double on the season. Senior setter Dina Katsoulis had a season-best 63 assists to go along with four blocks. Junior Karen Boyd added 13 kills and a hitting percentage of .417.
Junior outside hitter Wendy Hatlestad led the Panthers with 15 kills. Sophomore Megan Miller and junior Sarah Rollman also made into double-digits in kills with 12 and 14, respectively. Senior setter Carrie Norris added 39 assists to lead the Panthers.
UAB will next face Memphis on Bartow Arena on Saturday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m.
