The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
3-22,1-12AAC
Tulane University
6-18,2-10AAC
Blazers Fall Short to the Green Wave
10/29/2023 9:41:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
NEW ORLEANS – The UAB Volleyball Team fell to the Tulane Green Wave on Sunday afternoon after a close-quarters battle through four sets. The Green and Gold sit at a record of 3-22 and 1-12 in the AAC.
The Blazers outperformed the Green Wave offensively, but errors would be the deciding factor that would keep Tulane within reach of UAB. Despite this, the Blazers finished with more points on the weekend, with 73 to Tulane's 72.5. The Green and Gold finished with three Blazers totaling double-digit kills.
IN THE SETS
The first set saw the Blazers begin with a 4-2 lead before a 6-1 lead held the Blazers at four. UAB halted the run with a kill from Chloe Rodriguez to have the Blazers trail by three. The Green and Gold rallied back to get within a point of Tulane before the Green Wave reached set point on a five-point run. Two attack errors placed the Green and Gold within four before Tulane claimed the first set.
The Blazers responded in the second set, jumping to an 8-3 lead. UAB continued the run, taking advantage of attack errors to extend their lead, being the first to reach the 15-point mark. UAB kept the Green Wave at bay before Tulane rallied back off two attack errors to swing the score in their favor. With Tulane first to reach set point, Kelsey Smith put up a kill and ace, regaining the one-point lead, 25-24. An attack error from the Blazers tied the score again before the Blazers took set two, 27-25.
Set three mirrored the previous set, with UAB leading 8-3. Like the prior set, errors plagued both teams, causing seven lead changes throughout the set. The Green and Gold maintained control of the set, reaching a set point before a 7-0 run gave Tulane the 26-25 win. The deciding set saw a close-quarters battle between the two teams, with Tulane being first to jump out to a 10-7 lead. UAB responded with a run to regain the 13-11 lead.
Like the first three sets, the Green Wave rallied back, but UAB fended off Tulane before a run swayed the momentum. The Blazers dropped three crucial errors, which pushed the Green Wave lead to a score of 23-19. Tulane also had an attack error before a pair of kills ended the set and match.
IN THE BOX
- The Blazers finished with more kills, aces, and points than the Green Wave. Kelsey Smith led the way with a match-leading 18 kills.
- Smith posted her third triple-double of the season with 18 kills, 24 assists, and 14 digs.
- Smith also totaled five service aces and finished with 25 points.
- Alsi Celikkol finished with a double-double, totaling 11 kills and 14 digs.
- UAB and Tulane struggled with errors, with both teams tallying 21 attack errors in the match.
- The Blazers were out-blocked 13 to eight, and out-dug 70 to 67. However, the Green Wave
UP NEXT
The Blazers return to action on Friday and Saturday, November 3 and 4 to compete against Charlotte for homecoming weekend in Bartow Arena.
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