Bama Volleyball Pounds Auburn in SEC Opener
9/22/2004 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama volleyball team got things started off on the right foot in Southeastern Conference play on Wednesday night handing archrival Auburn a 3-0 (30-18, 30-12, 30-25) loss in front of 918 fans in the CAVE.
The Crimson Tide improved to 10-1 (1-0 in SEC) on the season and extended their current win streak over the Tigers (5-4, 0-1 SEC) to nine consecutive wins. The victory also marked Alabama's 21st straight over an in-state opponent.
Alabama came out from the first serve in total control of the match. The Tide quickly opened up a double-digit margin in game one en route to an easy 30-18 decision. For the game, the Tide hit at a .500 pace with 18 kills and only three errors while forcing the Tigers into a disappointing -.111 performance. Junior Kelley Potter led the way posting five kills in five swings in the frame.
Game two saw the Tide continue their dominance as Alabama led 16-4 after just four rotations and held Auburn out of double digit points until the score was 26-10. UA improved their offensive efficiency in the second stanza hitting at a .516 clip with only three miscues. Freshman Crystal Hudson recorded six kills in eight attempts (.750) to lead the way.
"We came out and played our most complete match of the year," said UA head coach Judy Green. "Our players were excited about opening up the SEC season, excited about playing at home, excited about playing in front of a big crowd and excited about facing Auburn and it showed from the start. They did a great job of executing the game plan. It was a great win for us in front of an amazing crowd."
Auburn turned up their intensity in the third game matching the Tide point-for-point in the early going. With the scored knotted at 12, Bama scored four straight points to open up a slight margin they never relinquished. The Tide earned the sweep with a 30-25 win in the final game. Senior Erin Heffner saved her best for the last game netting six kills in the stanza.
Heffner finished with a team-high 18 kills in the match and recorded a .536 hitting percentage. With her performance, she climbed into a tie for sixth on the SEC all-time kill list with LSU's Nyla Shepherd at 1,735.
Hudson posted 11 kills on the night with sophomore Rachael Green posting 10 kills to also reach double digits. Green led the Tide front row with five blocks and was the team's top hitter at .692. Junior Jessica Yearout led a balanced back-row defensive effort with nine digs.
Ashlee Johns was the lone Tiger in double figures finishing with 11 kills. Auburn hit .000 for the match recording 23 kills and 23 errors in 92 attempts.
The Crimson Tide continues play in the SEC on Friday night when Alabama hits the road to Lexington, Ky., to face the Kentucky Wildcats at 7 p.m. (ET).
PHOTO GALLERY
Katie Barker signs a fan's free giveaway Alabama volleyball shirt before the match.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
The stands were packed with Tide fans.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Coach Judy Green with honorary coaches Jami Clinton and Jim Oakley.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Honorary coach Jami Clinton greets the team during introductions.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Jessica Yearout is recognized by Coach Green for her 1000th career dig.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Coach Green recognizes Erin Heffner for becoming the Tide's career leader in kills.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Coach Green greets tonight's honorary first server, Tide gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Sarah Patterson hits the honorary first serve.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Erin Heffner celebrates a big point.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Mary Beth Moore serves it up.
(photo by Michelle Lepianka)
Soccer player Emily Pitek shows her support for the volleyball team.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
Jessica Yearout sets the ball.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
The Tide celebrates a big win.
(photo by Dusty Compton)
