Alabama Volleyball Survives a Scare at Auburn, 3-2
10/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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AUBURN, Ala. - Alabama volleyball coach Judy Green earned her 500th career victory on Tuesday night but the win proved a more challenging accomplishment then it first appeared as the Tide escaped the Plains with a 3-2 (30-26, 30-13, 26-30, 24-30, 15-13) win over an upset-minded rival Auburn.
The win extended the Crimson Tide's win streak over the Tigers to five straight matches and improved UA's record to 15-8 overall and 6-3 in the SEC. Auburn, who fell to 1-20 overall and 0-9 in the league, proved to be a gritty and determined foe in this milestone victory for the Tide mentor.
"We are fortunate to get out of here with a victory," said a soaking wet Green, who was drenched by her team following the nail-biting win. "Auburn played with a really strong desire tonight and it took everything we had to earn the win. Winning my 500th match is very special. I'm excited and proud but I more thrilled to have earned an important SEC win on the road."
After spotting the Tigers the first two points, Alabama quickly regained the lead with seven straight points on Kory Tull's serve. The Tide widened the margin to 15-7 following a 6-1 spurt. Bama maintained a solid advantage throughout the frame but AU made things interesting with a late four point surge that trimmed the UA lead to just three (29-26). Erin Heffner ended the Tiger rally with a thundering kill for the game one win.
A fired up Auburn squad jumped out to an early 4-1 lead. The advantage was short-lived as Bama regained the edge with a pair of multi-point strings. With the score still close (11-10), Alabama turned up the intensity outscoring AU 19-3 to earn a 30-13 game two victory. Included in the Tide's dominant run was a pair of 8-0 spurts sparked by strong serving from Kenna Milner and Erin Price.
Another highlight of the frame was the first appearance on the front row by Bama freshman Kelley Potter, who recorded her first career kill and block assist in her offensive debut.
Green juggled her lineup even more in game three with Bridget Studnicka, Shelly Adamcik and Denee Ezerins all earning playing time for the Tide. The game was extremely close with neither team able to sustain any momentum. Auburn earned a slight advantage after scoring four straight points but Bama answered with three points of their own to retake the lead.
From that point the two squads settled into a sideout battle before a four-point flurry by Auburn put them in front 28-25. The Tigers held on and captured the 30-26 victory snapping a string of 40 consecutive game losses dating back to Sept. 14. The Tigers earned the victory by virtue of out-hitting the Tide .400 to .250.
Alabama scored the first three points of game four but Auburn responded quickly scoring the next seven points capitalizing on five unforced errors by the Tide. AU pushed the margin to six points (14-8) before the Tide began chipping away at the Tiger advantage. Bama closed the gap to one several times but Auburn refused to relinquish the lead eventually pushing back ahead by six, 27-21. The Tigers continued their solid play evening the match at two games with a 30-24 win.
The Tide finally regained its composure at the start of game five as UA opened up a 5-1 lead in the deciding frame. Bama pushed the lead to 8-2 but Auburn came roaring back to knot the score at 11. UA fell behind by one 13-12 but responded with the next three points including a match-winning tandem block by Price and Julie Farley that gave Alabama a 15-13 win.
A quartet of Tide players reached double digit kills with Heffner leading the way with 21. Bibber had 17 followed by 13 from Tull and 11 by Price. Heffner also paced the Tide defense with 12 digs for eighth double-double of the year. Alabama finished with 11 aces in the contest led by a career-high seven from Tull.
The Crimson Tide continues their current SEC road swing on Friday night when Alabama visits Tennessee at 7 p.m. (ET) in Knoxville, Tenn.
Alabama (15-8, 6-3 SEC) 30 30 26 24 15
Auburn (1-20, 0-9 SEC) 26 13 30 30 13
