The UAB Volleyball team (11-12, 6-5 C-USA) entered their final match of the weekend with a straight-set victory over Charlotte. The Blazers improve their record to 6-5 and sit at the number five spot in C-USA standings.
"Despite the tight three-set loss at No. 22 WKU, we played pretty well as a team, and it was great for us to remain focused on our goals and respond with a home sweep against Charlotte today." said head coach Betsy Freeburg on the Blazers' performance.
IN THE SETS
The Blazers entered the first set trailing the 49ers 0-3. A kill from Fernanda Maida quelled the run, while UAB played catch up before tying the score at four apiece. Charlotte maintained their lead before the momentum shifted. The Blazers went on a 7-0 run to jump in front of the 49ers 17-13. Charlotte stayed in close quarters, eventually tying the score at 23 and reaching set point. UAB responded with a 3-0 run to take the first set 26-24.
Set two saw the Blazers gain the 3-1 lead and maintain it throughout the set. A kill from Erin Powers had UAB reach the double-digit mark, leading 10-7, before maintaining the lead and keeping the momentum consistent. Another run put the Blazers ahead 17-10. Charlotte responded with a 5-0 run to close the scoring gap from seven points to four, with the Blazers leading 21-17. The Green and Gold did not let up, only allowing one point to slip through from the 49ers before securing the second set 25-18.
The final set mirrored the second, with UAB advancing to a 6-1 lead over Charlotte. The 49ers found an opportunity to advance off a 4-0 run to tie the score up at seven. The Blazers responded with their own 5-0 run before jumping to a 15-9 lead. UAB held the 49ers to only scoring four more points, as they went on two long runs to take the third and final set 25-12.
IN THE BOX
The Blazers gradually gained their momentum throughout the match, averaging a team hitting percentage of .320. One stat that shined was the double-digit aces, where the Blazers totaled ten throughout the match.
Stat leaders from the Blazers include Maia Rackel, who finished the evening with 13 kills, while Alex Kells and Fernanda Maida both tallied 12. Maida and Erin Powers completed the match with three aces apiece, while Chloe Rodriguez led the defensive front in blocks with three.
QUOTES FROM BETSY FREEBURG
"Something we've talked a lot about this season is confidence and how it can only be earned through consistent hard work. We had a great week of practice and knowing that gave us a lot of composure and confidence late in set one."
"We served aggressively all weekend, and that's going to be huge for us going into the final CUSA stretch. One of my favorite takeaways from this weekend is that we were really balanced in our attack and found ways to score in every position."
UP NEXT
The Blazers close out their home campaign against UTSA on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. against UTSA. In addition to the match being their final home match for the 2022 season, UAB will be honoring five seniors for Senior Night before the beginning of the match.
2022-23 GOLD CARD
Purchase the 2022-23 Gold Card for $65 here. The 2022-23 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.
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