The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Mercer
UAB Volleyball Defeated By Mercer, 3-1
10/5/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 5, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- The UAB volleyball team fell to Mercer, 3-1, here on Tuesday night, as the Bears were led by Jackie Viren's match-high 16.5 points. The Blazers took the first game of the match, but could not hold off the Bears the rest of the way, as Mercer won 24-30, 30-25, 30-26 and 30-22.
Freshman outside hitter Julie Darty tallied 14.5 points on 14 kills, while hitting .345 and junior middle blocker Alicia Harding added 14.0 points on 12 kills and two block assists. Senior outside hitting Katie Plummer had match highs of 49 set assists and 18 defensive digs.
UAB (1-12, 0-2) was led by junior outside hitter Isabel Oquendo's match highs of 17 kills and 20.0 points. Oquendo recorded a .279 hitting percentage and a match-high three service aces.
At one point in game one the Blazers led by as much as six, however Mercer fought back to cut the lead to just two, making the score 23-21. UAB battled back and took the game 30-24. The Blazers' defense allowed Mercer a mere .225 attack percentage and forced the Bears into five attack errors as well as three service errors.
Mercer (8-9, 2-2) came roaring back in game two, beating the Blazers, 30-25. The Bears tied the game at 22 before winning the next six points to take a commanding 28-22 lead. UAB tried to rally by scoring two-consecutive points, but Mercer pulled out the game.
In game three the Bears kept up the pace holding, the Blazers to a .058 hitting percentage. The Blazers were up by as much as four early in the game, but Mercer came on strong with an 11-5 run that put them up for good.
Mercer had seven players record points in game four, including Laura Harms' 5.0 points while registering a .714 hitting percentage.
UAB returns to Conference USA action on Friday as they travel to Cincinnati to battle the Bearcats on Oct. 8 before heading to Louisville to face the Cardinals on Oct. 9.
