The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Defeat Mississippi State 3-1
9/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 16, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Behind 15 kills from sophomore outside hitters Breanne Swenson and Isabel Oquendo, UAB (4-7) defeated Mississippi State 3-1 in volleyball action Tuesday evening at Bartow Arena.
UAB took a 6-5 lead in game one and although Mississippi State (1-9) kept it close, the Blazers never looked back, winning 30-28.
Game two also saw a back and forth battle, but UAB pulled ahead 11-10 early and would not relinquish the lead, prevailing 30-25.
Game three was once again tightly contested as the score was tied on seven different occasions. With the score tied at 23, the Bulldogs were able to gain the upperhand for good en route to a 30-28 decision.
Both teams battled for the lead in game four, but after being knotted at 15, UAB was able to pull away for a 30-27 victory.
Swenson had 20 points to lead the Blazers, including three service aces, four total blocks and eight digs. Oquendo hit for .481, while recording a career-high 18 points to go along with two service aces, five digs and two total blocks. Senior middle blocker Karen Boyd posted her fourth double-double of the season with 11 kills and 12 digs to go along with a .303 hitting percentage and six total blocks. Freshman setter Bilun Gunal also recorded a double-double for the Blazers, posting 50 assists and 12 digs.
"We knew it was going to be a tough match because Mississippi State is looking to turn their season around," said UAB head coach Melinda Claiborne. "I thought we had a strong effort tonight. We seemed focused and the team really worked hard. We will continue to build from this win."
Sophomore outside hitter Rachel Cooper had 18.5 points on 17 kills to go along with 17 digs to lead the Bulldogs. Senior setter Jennifer Hadden added 49 assists for Mississippi State.
UAB next travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala. for the Crimson Tide Invitational hosted Friday-Saturday on the University of Alabama campus. The Blazers open the tournament Friday against Georgia Southern at 10 a.m.
