The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Volleyball Holds First Practice To Open Preseason
8/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - With the first match about two weeks away, the UAB volleyball team began it preseason practices on Monday in preparation for the 2015 season.
Monday's afternoon practice lasted for just over two and a half hours as the team had its first chance to get in the gym together before opening the season at the Lamar University Tournament on Aug. 28.
UAB will return 10 players from last year's roster, including four starters. Junior Gabby Deshotel is the top returner on offense after leading the Blazers with 2.82 kills per set in 2014.
Senior Sydney Nelson will be back after averaging 2.20 kills per set in her first season and fellow senior Emma Schroer returns at the libero position. Schroer took over mid-season and averaged 2.63 digs per set.
Junior Amber Treace and sophomore Gabbi Moreno will also return. The duo split time at the setter position, with Treace averaging 8.34 assists per set and Moreno 4.80 assists per set.
After opening the season with its first four matches on the road, the Blazers will host their home-opener against Conference USA foe FIU in the Blazer Classic on Sept. 4. It will be the first of two home tournaments, along with the inaugural Fight Like Hal Memorial Tournament, Sept. 18-19.
In 2015, the Blazers will host 17 of their 32 matches at home in Bartow Arena. UAB was picked to finish 12th in the Conference USA Preseason Poll voted on by the league's coaches.
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_VB). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official social media accounts of UAB Athletics on Twitter (@UABAthletics), on Facebook (Facebook.com/UAB.Blazers), on Instagram (@uabathletics) or on Snapchat (@uabathletics).
