Blazers Hit The Road In C-USA

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Conference play continues this weekend for UAB volleyball as the Blazers hit the road to play North Texas on Friday at 7 p.m. and Louisiana Tech on Sunday at 1 p.m.

UAB (9-10, 3-1 C-USA) is coming off a weekend split with Charlotte and FIU. The Green and Gold lost to Charlotte in four sets but bounced back to beat FIU in straight sets.

"It was a solid weekend overall," head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "We played tough and we'll need that attitude to carry over into this weekend. North Texas is one of the better teams in our conference so it'll be a challenge on Friday night. Louisiana Tech always plays hard at home, nothing will be given to us in this conference."

Abby Carlile and Emma Mitchell had solid performances against Charlotte as they each set new career highs in kills. Carlile recorded 10 kills against the 49ers while Mitchell tallied seven. Both girls have seen their playing time increase since the start of conference play and they have made the most of their opportunities.

Victoria Young has been an unsung hero all season for UAB as she has scored 101 kills, 12 service aces, and 67 blocks in 2017. She has been one of the most efficient attackers for the Blazers as well with a .307 attack percentage.

"We've really seen some girls step up lately and play at another level since the conference season started," Messersmith said. "Having so many girls able to play is a good problem to have and we'll need each and every one of them the deeper we get into the season."

North Texas (16-2, 3-1) has been dominate at home going 9-1 with its only loss at home coming against Texas Tech. The Mean Green dropped its C-USA opener to Southern Miss but bounced back to win two of its last three conference games in straight sets.

Louisiana Tech (5-12, 0-3) has lost its last three matches coming into this weekend including a three set loss to North Texas. The Bulldogs have lost two of three C-USA matches in straight sets.

UAB is 1-4 all-time against North Texas with the last win for the Blazers coming in 2013. The series with La Tech stands at 2-2 with each team alternating victories.

Blazers Hit The Road In C-USA

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Players Mentioned

Abby Carlile

Emma Mitchell

Victoria Young

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics