The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
-911,44 CUSA
Middle Tennessee
-138,25 CUSA
Blazers Triumph Over Blue Raiders in Straight-Set Victory
10/21/2022 8:25:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MURFREESBORO – The UAB Blazers (9-11, 4-4 C-USA) closed out the night with a straight set victory over the MTSU Blue Raiders in Murfreesboro. The Blazers remain in the W column, advancing to a two-match win-streak.
"So proud of our team and their effort tonight! We have struggled all season in set three, and we were so intentional after going up set two," said Head Coach Betsy Freeburg. "It's really special when you see signs of growth even late in October. The team made quick adjustments during the match and there was great trust on the court."
IN THE SETS
In the first set, the Blazers and Blue Raiders came out swinging, keeping the score margin close with 6 lead changes and 15 ties. The Blazers were first to get on the board with a kill from freshman, Jay Collins. The Green and Gold continued their run before MTSU responded with a series of their own. This game of ties continued up until the passing of the 20-point mark, where UAB found a run to put them within set point. The Blue Raiders would halt the run with an ace, but it would not be enough, as they finished the set with a service error, giving UAB a 25-22 win in the first.
The second set saw more of the same, with the score staying within a one-point margin. The Blue Raiders used the errors of the Blazers to their advantage to jump out two points ahead of the Blazers at 12-10. MTSU's momentum halted with a kill from Chloe Rodriguez, putting the score at 14-16. The Blazers then found their rhythm, tying the score once more at 17 apiece. The Blazers rallied back from the deficit to regain the lead before once again finding themselves at set point off an attack error from the Blue Raiders. Another attack error gave the Blazers the second set, 25-23.
Set three saw an immediate burst in favor of the Blazers, who jumped out to a 9-5 lead over the Blue Raiders. MTSU called a timeout, but the Green and Gold continued their run, adding three more points to the board. The Blazers continued a commanding run, jumping out to a 20-10 lead over MTSU before delivering a 5-0 run to give them the set and match point with a 25-12 victory.
IN THE BOX
The Blazers finished the evening with a total hitting percentage of .382 to the Blue Raiders .259, with their highest hitting percentage coming in the final set with .643. On the attacking end, UAB closed out with a total of 46 kills to MTSU's 33. On the defensive front, the Blazers were out dug by the Blue Raiders, 35 to 44. UAB however out blocked MTSU four to two.
Stat leaders for the Blazers included Fernanda Maida and Maia Rackel, who both lead with 13 kills apiece. Rackel finished the night hitting .571 and finished with five digs for the Green and Gold. On the defensive end, Erin Powers led the way in digs with 12, while Chloe Rodriguez finished with two blocks for the Blazers. Lidya Canturk closed out the night with 34 assists.
UP NEXT
The Blazers finish the weekend with a home match against the FAU Owls on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. in Bartow Arena.
2022-23 GOLD CARD
Purchase the 2022-23 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2022-23 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
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