The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Southern Miss
UAB Opens Conference play versus Southern Miss
9/23/2021 2:45:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
UAB (4-6) vs. Southern Miss (8-6)
Sept. 24 | 6 p.m | Birmingham | Bartow Arena | Second Year Experience Night
UAB vs. Southern Miss
Sept. 25 | 2 p.m | Birmingham | Bartow Arena | Camper Reunion Day
Weekend Preview
The Blazers will be looking to bounce back from a 1-2 outing in last weekend's Green Wave Invitational and gain some momentum against a strong Southern Miss squad.
UAB will look to lean on their top offensive playmakers, Fernanda Maida and Alex Kells. Maida is currently 2nd in Conference USA in kills per set and points per set. Maida also ranks 12th in the nation in points per set and 10th in the nation in kills per set. Coach Betsy Freeburg said,
"The goal for the non-conference season is to prepare for the conference season ahead. We played a challenging non-conference schedule that forced us to compete our best every time we stepped on the court. Sometimes we succeeded in that and other times we felt short. Both outcomes taught us something else about ourselves, and we look forward to using what we've learned as we move into the C-USA regular season. We look forward to kicking off this C-USA season hosting Southern Mississippi in Birmingham this weekend. The back to back matchup is a challenging one that we struggled with in the spring at times; It tests your endurance and your ability to both quickly adapt while staying disciplined and focused over a two day series. Southern Miss is a team we split with in Hattiesburg last year, and they are coming into Birmingham off a successful non-conference schedule and have quite a few returners and added some key transfers and newcomers. We are excited about the opportunity to defend out home court and look forward to this C-USA season ahead."
Scouting the Golden Eagles
Southern Miss will be paced by their offensive trio of playmakers who have over 100 kills on the season. Kinsley Hanback (118), Duquesne Moratzka (138) and Mia Wesley (185) will look to keep the UAB defense on its toes.
Outside hitter Lauren Talbert scored a career high 17 kills against Southeastern Louisiana. In that same match, setter Kenzie Smith recorded a career-high 56 assists.
Weekend Marketing Promotions
Friday is Second Year Experience Night. The first 40 students to arrive at the game with a valid OneCard will receive free t-shirts and cookies. Since it is Friday night, UAB will also be giving out vouchers to the first 40 students for one free popcorn and unlimited free drinks from concessions with a valid OneCard.
Saturday is Camper Reunion Day for all campers from the UAB Summer Volleyball camp. Campers and their families who RSVP to cgoldstein@uab.edu will be eligible for $3 tickets. After the match, there will be an autograph session with the team.
Due to the recent surge of COVID-19 and updated CDC guidance, UAB will require face masks indoors on campus – regardless of vaccine status – effective Thursday, July 29. Individuals can briefly unmask while eating or drinking.
Volleyball season tickets are available by purchasing the 2021-22 Gold Card for $65. This exclusive offer grants admission to all UAB men's and women's soccer, baseball, women's basketball and softball games in addition to all volleyball home contests. Complete the Gold Card Request Form or contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB volleyball team, follow @UAB_VB on Twitter and Instagram.
