The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Stephen F. Austin
Stephen F. Austin Tops UAB 3-0
9/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 10, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB volleyball team lost a 3-0 decision to Stephen F. Austin Friday evening in the first day of the UAB Invitational held at Bartow Arena.
Freshman middle blocker Nicole Bowland led UAB as she recorded her first career double-double for the Blazers. Bowland had 10 points on 10 kills to go along with 10 digs. Sophomore setters Kaitlyn Filar and Jenna Link posted 13 and 12 assists respectively.
The Ladyjacks were led by senior middle blocker Brittany Burton who led the match with 12.5 points on 11 kills and three total blocks. Sophomore setter Lauren Adams added 17 assists and freshman setter JJ Jones posted 15 assists for Stephen F. Austin.
"From last weekend until tonight, we definitely made some improvements," said UAB head coach Melinda Claiborne. "We just have some people right now that are filling into roles that they are just learning; freshmen that are very young, but are gaining valuable experience. People need to start embracing what they are learning and then continuing to be consistent at that. It's frustrating, but we will try to keep a positive focus and know that everyday is an opportunity to get better and our girls are keeping that focus. Tomorrow should definitely be a better day."
Game one was tightly contested, but with UAB leading 11-10, Stephen F. Austin used a 5-0 run to claim the lead and never looked back en route to a 30-26 victory. The Blazers would close the gap to as little as two points, but could never regain the lead.
The Ladyjacks led most of the way in game two. UAB (0-5) battled to tie the score twice at 18 apiece and again at 19. However, Stephen F. Austin (5-1) was able to pull away and win the game 30-25.
In game three, Stephen F. Austin broke a 2-2 tie and never relinquished the lead, going on to win the game 30-22.
The UAB Invitational continues Saturday as Alabama A&M and Stephen F. Austin will begin the day's action at 10 a.m. UAB will square off against Alabama A&M at 1 p.m., Stephen F. Austin and Murray State will follow with a 4 p.m. matchup and the Blazers will close the tournament against Murray State at 7 p.m.
Tickets for Saturday 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.
