UAB Closes Out Fight Like Hal Tournament With Win

Saturday, September 16

Birmingham, Ala.

2:00 PM

UAB

6-8

New Orleans

6-6

UAB

UAB Closes Out Fight Like Hal Tournament With Win

9/16/2017 5:18:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – UAB volleyball closes out the Fight Like Hal Memorial Tournament with a 3-0 win (25-20, 25-22, 25-17) over New Orleans.

The Blazers and Privateers battled throughout the first set until UAB took command late with a 5-0 run to win the set 25-20. UAB jumped out to a 9-4 lead before New Orleans went on 5-point scoring run to tie the second set.

UAB (6-8) pushed out to a seven-point lead before the Privateers (6-6) again fought back going on a seven point run to tie the set again at 22. Much like the first set, the Blazers dug deep and scored three quick points to take the second set 25-22.

The green and gold had three, three-point scoring runs and a run of five straight points as they cruised to a 25-17 third set win.

Erika Zembyla earned her third double-double of the year tallying 10 kills and 11 digs in the victory over New Orleans. Zahria Richard equaled Zembyla with 10 kills while Haley Jared led the Blazers with 11 kills.

UAB is now 5-1 at home and is on a season best three game winning streak. It will look to continue the home dominance and winning streak as the Blazers will welcome Alabama State to Bartow Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 19. It will be the last non-conference game of the season before diving into conference action.

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM:
Gabby Deshotel – UAB
Erika Zembyla – UAB
Zahria Richard – UAB
Kaitlyn Grice – New Orleans
Katie 0'Connor – Western Carolina
Jo-Leigh VerVelde – Western Carolina

Gabby Deshotel was named the tournament MVP as she racked up 30 kills and 29 digs for UAB. Zembyla finished the tournament with 28 kills, 16 digs and three service aces. Richard had 26 kills, four blocks and also tallied three service aces.

"All of the girls were great for us all weekend but these three really stood out," head coach Kerry Messersmih said. "They brought their best each and every match and battled hard for every point. That's the kind of attitude we need game in and game out. We'll need it against Alabama State, they are strong team and it should be a good final tune-up before conference play starts."