The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Compete in Georgia Spring Invitational
4/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 10, 2006
ATHENS, Ga. -- The UAB volleyball team kicked off its spring slate this past weekend, as head coach Kerry Messersmith and the Blazers headed to Athens, Ga., to compete in the Georgia Spring Invitational. UAB played four contests on the day, going undefeated in its pool and advancing to the championship game.
The invitational was held at the Ramsey Center on the campus of the University of Georgia. Teams from all over the southeast compete in head-to-head action, which consisted of a two-game match or a 55-minute time limit. Schools that competed in the event included Mercer, Memphis, Jacksonville State,Auburn, Lipscomb, Samford and host Georgia.
Messersmith's squad went 3-0 in the Pool B section of the Invitational, advancing to play Georgia in the final match. The Blazers defeated SEC foe Auburn, along with Lipscomb and Samford by indentical 2-0 scores during the day.
In the final match, the Blazers were defeated by Georgia 30-27. This weekend marked the beginning of the Messersmith era at UAB, and gave a first opportunity for the players to bond with the new staff.
"It was a good weekend for us," said Messersmith. "We finally felt like a team competing out there. We had a lot of fun playing, and I think that showed in the way we played. We clicked very well as a team."
The Blazers return seven players from last year's squad, and look to improve on a 14-13 record in 2005. The new regime has focused on team chemistry and better communication this season, and anticipates an exciting team to watch in 2006. "We have a long way to go and have a lot of work to do before next year, but we did have fun on the court this weekend," added Messersmith.
UAB continues it spring schedule next weekend, as it travels to Knoxville, Tenn., to compete in the UT Spring Challenge. The Blazers will face off against several teams from the Volunteer State, including 2005 Final Four participant Tennessee.
