The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Murray State
Blazers Drop A Pair Of Matches At UAB Invitational
9/11/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 11, 2004
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB volleyball team dropped a pair of matches at the UAB Invitational held Saturday at Bartow Arena, falling to Stephen F. Austin, 3-0, in the Blazers' first match of the day and losing to Murray State, 3-0, in the final match of the tournament.
Sophomore Brianna Galvin was named to the All-Tournament Team for UAB. Galvin saw action in all three matches of the tournament, playing in every game for the Blazers. She recorded double digits in digs in all three matches of the tournament and led UAB in digs in two out of three matches. Galvin tied a career high with a match-leading 17 digs against Alabama A&M. It marked the second straight weekend that Galvin received the honor as she was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the University of Evansville Invitational last weekend.
Stephen F. Austin won the tournament after going undefeated over three matches. Murray State finished second with a 2-1 record, Alabama A&M placed third with a 1-2 mark and UAB finished fourth.
Against Murray State, freshman middle blocker Nicole Bowland led UAB (0-7) with 13 points on 13 kills while recording 11 digs and hitting for .379. Freshman outside hitter Charli Lindley added 12 points on nine kills and three service aces while posting six digs for the Blazers. Sophomore setter Jenna Link had 25 assists for UAB.
"Nicole had a great match put together," said UAB head coach Melinda Claiborne. "She out hit everybody and out dug everybody. For a freshman to be able to come in and do that is outstanding. It's nice to have Brianna Galvin's consistency."
Murray State (3-3) was led by sophomore outside hitter Allie Hunt who led the match with 14.5 points on 13 kills and two total blocks while recording seven digs. Senior setter and all-tournament team selection Casandra Ersel led the match with 33 assists for the Racers.
Game one between UAB and Murray State was tightly contested as there were 16 tied scores and seven lead changes. With the score knotted at 23, Murray State was able to gain the lead for good as they went on to win the game 30-27.
Game two was a battle of scoring runs. With UAB leading 7-4, the Blazers went on an 11-0 run to take a commanding 18-4 lead. Murray State battled back with an 11-0 run of its own as the Racers pulled within three points at 19-16. After tying the score at 22, the Racers grabbed the lead and never looked back en route to a 30-27 victory.
Although game three was close at times, Murray State never trailed and held on to win the game 30-25.
Freshman outside hitter Shaniquwa Cooper led UAB against Alabama A&M with eight points on seven kills and two total blocks. Link added 22 assists for the Blazers.
"Some of the more experienced players are struggling," said Claiborne. "Jenna (Link) did a pretty good job when we had some passes in setting. It was really great to see Shaniquwa (Cooper) come out there and hit some bright spots. These kids have a lot of heart and have a really good work ethic. I don't doubt that at any given moment it could all turn around for them."
Junior outside hitter Alexandria Brazelton led the match with 19 points on 16 kills, two service aces and two total blocks, while recording 12 digs and hitting for a match-high .542 for Alabama A&M. Senior setter Princess Dixson added 31 assists for the Bulldogs.
With the score tied at three in game one, Alabama A&M used a 5-0 run to gain a lead on the Blazers. Late in the game, UAB used a 5-0 run to cut the Bulldog lead to five at 20-15, but Alabama A&M held strong, going on to win the game 30-21.
Game two was even to start as there were six ties and three lead changes early on. With UAB leading 9-8, Alabama A&M used a 5-0 run to gain the lead and never looked back, winning the game 30-23. UAB cut the lead to four late at 27-23, but after a Bulldog timeout, Alabama A&M rattled off the next three points for the win.
UAB held the lead for most of the first half of game three, but Alabama A&M battled back to take an 18-17 advantage and held on for a 30-26 win.
UAB next travels to Auburn, Ala. to compete in the War Eagle Invitational Friday-Saturday. Friday, UAB will face Jackson State at 5 p.m. and Saturday, the Blazers will take on Belmont at 10 a.m. and will close the tournament against host team Auburn at 7 p.m.
