The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
-22,00 CUSA
Jackson State
1-5,0-0SWAC
Blazers Take Straight-Set Victory over Jackson State in Home Opener
9/2/2022 10:48:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM – The UAB Volleyball Team (2-2, 0-0 C-USA) downed the Jackson State University Tigers (1-4, 0-0 SWAC) in a three-set win on Friday night in Bartow Arena. Coming back from a road win over Cleveland State, the Blazers extended their win-streak to two.
"Tonight was a great way to open up the season in Bartow Arena! Jackson State played really well and challenged us to be patient and wait for our opportunities to score." Said head Coach Betsy Freeburg on the outcome of the match.
UAB started the first set of competition gathering their bearings, with a few errors in the beginning stages. The score tied ten times before the Blazers pulled away with set-changing kills from Alex Kells and Chloe Rodriguez. The Blazers totaled 13 kills in their 25-21 win in set one.
Set two was all Blazers once again. UAB got as far as nine points ahead, and JSU got as close as two points before the score favored the Green and Gold. A combination of kills, aces and Tiger attack errors put the Blazers up 19-12. UAB pressed on, taking the second set 25-16, the largest win margin of the match.
The final set saw JSU take an early 3-0 lead, before UAB responded with a 3-0 run of their own. The Blazers never surrendered their lead in the third, with combined efforts from the Blazers offense. The final set ended with back-to-back aces from Kiana Mack, who led the team with three.
"Ultimately siding out a high percentage led to our success and we are happy to start this year in Bartow with a sweep!"
BLACKING OUT RACISM
In addition to the efforts made on the court, the Blazers also contributed to initiating change off the court, acknowledging fellow athlete Rachel Richardson of Duke, who faced racial epithets at a volleyball match. The UAB Volleyball team stood in solidarity with Richardson, and aimed to change the game through efforts of sportsmanship with the #BlackOutRacism campaign.
"We also took tonight to stand in solidarity with our Black community by wearing black for warmups and on the sidelines signaling that we will stand up and act against racism. There is no place for racism in our world and especially in this sport that we love. We will stand, united, as Blazer Allies!" Said Coach Freeburg.
Purchase the 2022-23 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2021-22 Gold Card will get you access to all home events for Women's Soccer, Men's Soccer, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Softball, and Baseball (Regions Field & Young Memorial). This card is not valid for Conference USA or NCAA Championship events.
To keep up with the UAB Volleyball team, follow @UAB_VB on Twitter and Instagram.
