The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Memphis
Volleyball Tames Tigers, Ups Win Streak To Seven
9/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 20, 2011
MEMPHIS, Tenn. ---- The UAB volleyball team continued its winning ways, sweeping the Memphis Tigers 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-20) Tuesday night at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse in both squads' Conference USA opening match.
The victory improves the Blazers' record to 11-2 (1-0 C-USA) overall and extends their current win streak to seven matches. In fact, UAB has now won 16 of its last 18 contests dating back to the conclusion of the 2010 season. The victory also gives the Green and Gold the best overall record in Conference USA.
Memphis drops to 11-3 overall, 0-1 in league play. The Blazers have now defeated the Tigers six straight times.
A key to the to the victory was UAB's ability to hold its own in the middle, totaling 10 team blocks to just two for Memphis in the straight-set victory.
"Blocking has been a real strength for our team so far, and it was again tonight," head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "Our middles have been so consistent for us all season and we really hope they continue to do that for us moving forward."
The combo of Sam Serley and Kirsten Gallagher, both middle blockers, proved too much for the Tigers. Serley posted a .438 (8K-1E-16TA) hitting percentage, along with three blocks, while Gallagher recorded a match-high six blocks and added four kills.
"Kirsten was fantastic at the net with six blocks and I felt the team really played well overall with a balanced attack," Messersmith said.
Along with the holding an eight-block edge over Memphis, UAB was more efficient on offense, sporting an attacking clip of .293 (37K-8E-99TA) to Memphis' .104 (33K-22E-106TA) hitting percentage.
Freshman Ashley Ricks produced a strong outing on the right side, connecting for seven kills on 13 attacks with only one miss-hit (.462) in her first C-USA match.
On defense, Heather Thomas, the reigning C-USA Defensive Player of the Week, totaled a team-best 13 digs. She has now recorded 10-or-more digs in 43 straight matches.
NEXT UP: The Blazers will finally host their first home match, after playing the first 13 contests on the road. UAB welcomes Marshall University to Bartow Arena, with a 7 p.m. showdown on Friday night.
