The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Mercer
Blazers Top Mercer 3-0
9/26/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 26, 2003
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB volleyball team (6-9) defeated Mercer 3-0 in first round action of the UAB Invitational hosted at Bartow Arena.
Sophomore outside hitter Breanne Swenson led UAB, posting her team-leading sixth double-double of the season with 19.5 points on 14 kills, four service aces and three total blocks to go along with 11 digs. Senior outside hitter Martina Shields had 14 points on 14 kills and posted seven digs, while senior middle blocker Karen Boyd turned in 11 points on seven kills, two service aces and three total blocks for the Blazers. Freshman setter Jenna Link added 42 assists for UAB.
Game one was a close battle that saw the score tied 11 times. Mercer (3-11) got out to an early lead, but UAB used an 8-0 run to go up 13-7. The Blazers held the lead for the next 19 points, but Mercer battled back and took a 23-22 advantage. The two teams then fought back and forth before UAB edged the Bears 30-27.
Game two was nip and tuck as well as the score was tied on 15 occasions and the lead changed hands eight times. The Blazers were able to gain a 23-22 advantage late and held on for a 30-26 win.
Mercer took an early lead in game three, but UAB pulled ahead 16-15 and never looked back, prevailing 30-25.
"We had a really good, solid team performance tonight," said UAB head coach Melinda Claiborne. "I thought the team did a good job of balancing each other out and communicating tonight. We had many players contribute in the match. We will look to build off this win tomorrow."
Junior outside hitter Jennifer Smith had 14.5 points on 12 kills to go along with seven digs to lead Mercer. Freshman setter Catie Clemens added 34 assists for the Bears.
The UAB Invitational continues Saturday at Bartow Arena as Mercer and Alabama A&M square off at 1 p.m. UAB will face Alabama A&M at 7 p.m. in the final match of the tournament. Tickets to each match are $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 3-12, children 2 and under are admitted free and UAB students are admitted free with a valid student ID.
