Volleyball Hosts Alabama A&M in Season Opener
9/1/2004 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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TUSCALOOSA - The waiting game is over for the University of Alabama volleyball team as the Tide's season starts in earnest on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. when they play host to in-state foe Alabama A&M in the CAVE.
The Crimson Tide, 18-13 last year, enters this season having posted five consecutive winning seasons under the guidance of ninth-year head coach Judy Green. UA returns eight letterwinners including five starters from a year ago and welcome a talented class of newcomers.
Alabama A&M is coming off an impressive 25-6 mark last season including a perfect 17-0 record in conference play en route to a SWAC Championship. The Bulldogs qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in school history.
"We are thrilled and excited to get this season under way," said Green. "We have worked extremely hard in the preseason and are really looking forward to putting on the uniforms and finally playing against somebody else. Alabama A&M is a talented team and will be an excellent challenge for us in a season opener."
Senior outside hitter Erin Heffner is the Tide's top returnee. Heffner is a three-time All-SEC honoree and a preseason All-American candidate this year. The SEC leader in kills per game last season, Heffner is on pace to become the program's all-time kills leader this year needing just 214 for the record.
All home Bama volleyball matches are played in the CAVE (at the back of Coleman Coliseum) with free admission. The first 200 fans to Wednesday's night match will be treated to a free blackened chicken sandwich and Crimson Tide Volleyball magnetic schedules and team schedule posters will also be available at the door.
