Tide Volleyball Falls to Utah State in Tourney Opener
9/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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BOZEMAN, Mont. - The University of Alabama volleyball team struggled to find a consistent flow in Friday's opening match of the Mizuno/Holiday Inn Classic and dropped a 3-0 (30-17, 30-26, 30-20) decision to Utah State.
With the loss, the Crimson Tide falls to 1-3 on the season while the Aggies continued their season opening win streak improving to 5-0.
"For us to be successful this year we have to come to compete every night," said UA head coach Judy Green. "Tonight we just weren't ready to play for whatever the reason. Hopefully, we can learn from this and make the necessary adjustments for our next match."
The two squads spent the early part of game one feeling each other out. Utah State earned a slight advantage midway through the frame with a 5-1 run that put them up 18-10. Alabama continued to battle but could get no closer than five points as the Aggies took control late to earn the 30-17 victory.
Utah State continued their strong play at the start of game. The Aggies held a five-point margin before the Crimson Tide came roaring back to gain their first lead of the contest at 16-14. USU quickly rebounded scoring seven of the next eight points to regain the lead. From that point the game settled into a sideout contest with Utah State eventually holding on for the 30-26 win.
In game three, Utah State opened up a near double digit margin. UA junior Julie Farley sparked the Tide with a strong serving performance trimming the Tide's deficit to only three (21-18). However, a string of costly unforced errors by Bama allowed the Aggies to push the lead back out. Utah State captured the game 30-20 and earned the match victory.
Erin Heffner was the lone Tide player in double figures finishing the contest with 11 kills. Kelley Potter, who started at the opposite hitter position, tallied a team high 10 digs and three blocks. Freshman Rachael Green made her collegiate debut in the match for the Crimson Tide.
Beth Hodge paced a balanced USU attack with 14 kills. Zuzana Cernianska led all players with 15 digs.
Alabama is slated to play a pair of matches on Saturday starting with a Noon (MT) tilt with #15 Kansas State. The Tide and host Montana State Bobcats will conclude the tournament action tomorrow in the 7:30 p.m. finale.
Alabama (1-3) 17-26-20
Utah State (5-0) 30-30-30
