The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Marshall
UAB Volleyball Quiets Thundering Herd, 3-1
11/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Nov. 20, 2011
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. ---- The UAB volleyball team received a career-best match from junior Kate Morrell as the Blazers defeated Marshall 3-1 (25-21, 16-25, 25-18, 25-18) on Sunday afternoon at the Cam Henderson Center.
The victory marked the 13th of the season in league play for the Blazers, tying the school record for C-USA wins set in 2008.
UAB (23-8, 13-6 C-USA) was led by Morrell's career-high 21 kills as she also recorded a career-best hitting percentage of .571. The outside hitter from Ogallala, Neb. committed just one error on 35 swings for the afternoon.
"Kate had an outstanding match today," head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "She played with a lot of confidence and had some great swings for us."
The Blazers received a double-double from Ally Slaughter - 12 kills and 11 digs - while she hit at a .379 clip. In the middle, Sam Serley rocketed nine kills and added five block assists to her stat line.
"Both Ally and Sam played great for us," Messersmith said. "I'm really proud of the girls for being able to bounce back in the third set after dropping set two and play with a lot of emotion."
Heather Thomas posted 20 digs for the match and is closing in on breaking her own single season record at UAB. The senior now needs just seven digs to surpass her 2010 total of 607.
Marshall (8-21, 7-12 C-USA) received a 21 kill effort from outside hitter Abby Tomas, while setter Sammie Bane dished out 50 assists.
The Blazers will play their final match of the regular season on Wednesday, Nov. 23 against Memphis inside Bartow Arena. First serve is slated for 7 p.m. CT.
