The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
-46,00 CUSA
Kennesaw State
7-3,0-0ASUN
Blazers Fall to Kennesaw State
9/14/2022 8:57:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
KENNESAW – The UAB Volleyball team (4-6, 0-0 C-USA) fell to the Kennesaw State Owls (7-3, 0-0 ASUN) in three sets (19-25, 23-25, 22-25) on Wednesday night in the KSU Convocation Center. The Blazers, who were then split with the Owls in their overall series, are now down two losses to one win.
KSU started off strong in the first set, responding to a quick 2-0 lead in the beginning stages of competition before responding with a three-point run that set the Owls ahead 7-4. Though KSU kept their momentum, the Blazers would respond and get within two points of their opponent. The Owls reached set point before giving up two points off attack errors but would prevail in taking the first set.
Set two saw an immediate response from the Blazers, who got out in front of the Owls early with a series of runs. However, KSU responded back, keeping the score within one point. A series of back-to-back kills followed by a 3-0 run from UAB put the Blazers up 19-14. The Owls responded with a run of their own, getting within two points of the Blazers before eclipsing and eventually winning set two.
The final set saw an early 5-0 advantage in favor of KSU. The Owls dropped three consecutive aces before the Blazers responded with back-to-back kills from Maia Rackel and Alex Kells to quell the run. The Owls continued to keep their lead before a series of aces, attack errors and kills put the Blazers within two. KSU maintained their lead, with the Blazers in tow, but unable to push the match to a fourth set.
Stat leaders for the Blazers included Fernanda Maida, who finished the night with 11 kills. Erin Powers led in digs with 15 total. Lidya Canturk finished the evening with 28 digs for the Blazers.
The Blazers hit with a percentage of .131 throughout the match to the Owls .216. Despite this, UAB finished ahead of the Owls in three statistical categories and tied with their opponent in one.
QUOTE FROM BETSY FREEBURG
"Kennesaw State is a really tough team that played hard tonight. We had opportunities especially in set two that we just didn't capitalize on. Preseason is a great opportunity to learn a lot about your team, and we're learning we need to pass better and cut down our attacking errors."
UP NEXT
The Blazers return to the road as they travel to Tallahassee to take on Florida State and Florida A&M on Saturday and Sunday.
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.
To keep up with the UAB Volleyball team, follow @UAB_VB on Instagram and Twitter.
