The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Marshall
Blazers Drop 3-1 Decision To Marshall
10/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 14, 2005
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Despite capturing game one by a score of 30-27, the UAB volleyball team was unable to hold on against league leader Marshall on Friday evening at Bartow Arena. The Thundering Herd (14-4, 6-0 C-USA) rallied to win the next three contests and remain unbeaten in league play. The Blazers fall to 11-4 overall and 2-3 in league matches. The game one defeat was the first for Marshall in its six conference matches so far this season.
"I was proud of the way the girls fought back, especially in that fourth game, but it just wasn't enough," said UAB co-interim head coach Allison Magner. "We need to play as a team for the entire match."
The Blazers jumped out to an early advantage thanks to a .462 team hitting percentage and zero attack errors. Isabel Oquendo led all players with six kills and five digs in game one. Nevena Stefanov added 17 assists as UAB held on for a 30-27 win.
Marshall responded in a big way, cruising to a 30-16 win in game two before taking another victory in game three, this time by a score of 30-21.
Game four went back-and-forth with UAB clawing its way to a 24-24 tie late in the contest. But the Thundering Herd responded to take the next two points, and causing the Blazers to call a timeout. The teams would trade points over the next few plays, but Marshall's offensive attack proved to be too much for the Blazers as the Thundering Herd finished off the match with a 30-27 win.
UAB was led by Isabel Oquendo who recorded a 13-kill, 10-dig double-double. Freshmen Ivana Bozic and Aleksandra Vujovic also combined for 25 kills while Nicole Bowland led the Blazers with 11 digs at the libero position. Marshall's Preseason Conference USA Player of the Year, Kelly-Anne Billingy led all players with 17 kills and added 13 digs.
The Blazers return to action Saturday evening when they welcome the East Carolina Pirates to Bartow Arena for a 7 p.m. CT match.
