Volleyball Sweeps Alabama A&M, 3-0
9/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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For the first time in the Judy Green era and the first time since the 1995 season, the Alabama volleyball team has won nine matches in a row with its 3-0 (30-13, 30-23, 30-22) victory over in-state rival Alabama A&M Wednesday night at the CAVE in front of 350 fans. The Tide improved to 9-1 while the Bulldogs fell to 2-6 on the year.
"I think this is a great start for our team," Green said. "The key is to continue keeping the team upbeat and keeping the confidence high."
Alabama had a balanced attack with sophomores Crystal Hudson (Hueytown, Ala.) and Bridget Fuentez (Tomball, Texas) leading the team with nine kills each. Freshmen Sarah Snider (Oswego, Ill.) and Lindsey Buteyn (Waupun, Wis.) added eight and seven kills respectively for UA.
"Looking across the board, you see a lot of balance from us," Green said. "I think it makes us a lot harder to defend when you have more options. Tonight we were successful in attacking the middle of the net and that set up the outside later in the match."
The Tide outhit A&M on the night .290 to .011 and led from the start, with freshman Amy Pauly (Burr Ridge, Ill.) recording four service aces in a 12-0 run in game one of the match that set the tone for the night. Pauly finished the match with a career high five aces.
Alabama finished the night with nine aces and 33 assists compared to just two aces and 24 assists for A&M.
"From game one to game three, we passed the ball really well," Green said. "The better serving and passing team is usually going to win."
The Bulldogs were led Brittani Lewis, who had nine kills and Tameeka Thompson, who recorded a match high 12 digs.
The Tide competes in the BSC Volleyball Challenge this weekend. Alabama returns to action Friday afternoon at 4:00 against Jackson State on the campus of Birmingham Southern College. Live stats for the contest are available at www.rolltide.com. The match will also air on radio in the Tuscaloosa area on WVUA 90.7 FM and can be heard via the internet as well at www.newrock907.com.
