Bama Volleyball Prepares for First Week of SEC Play
9/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- The University of Alabama volleyball team squares off against Tennessee and Kentucky in the opening weekend of conference action. The Crimson Tide will face off against Tennessee in Knoxville Friday, Sept. 14 at 7:00 p.m. before traveling to Lexington to face Kentucky Sunday, Sept. 16 at 1:30 p.m.
"We feel our preparation up to this point will help us as we enter the SEC regular season schedule," said Alabama head coach Judy Green. "Right now every conference team is tied for first so it is an even playing field as of this Friday. Our team and coaching staff know we have much work to do but we are up to the challenge."
Alabama heads into the match 3-6 overall after its upset over No. 13 Ohio last weekend. The Crimson Tide is led by its defense, ranking No. 51 in the nation in digs per game. Alabama is also second in the SEC in the same category. Libero Amy Pauly leads the team with 4.97 digs per game and is ranked No. 71 in the individual national statistics.
The Crimson Tide is 10-22 all-time against the Lady Vols with the series dating back to 1977. Alabama is on a three match winning streak against Tennessee after sweeping the series last year.
Tennessee comes into the match 5-2 overall and is unbeaten at home. The Lady Vols are led by sophomore middle blocker Leah Hinkey who is averaging 2.96 kills per game and 1.54 blocks per game. Hinkey also leads the team in kills and hitting percentage, wracking up 71 kills on 142 attempts for a .345 hitting percentage.
The Tide is 10-17 all-time against the Wildcats. Last season the teams split the series, both teams taking the match at home.
Kentucky is 9-2 overall and 4-0 at home. The Wildcats head into the contest on a two match winning streak. Kentucky is led by middle blockers Queen Nzenwa and Nicole Britenriker who lead the team in kills, hitting percentage and total blocks.
Alabama's match against Tennessee is the first of two televised matches for the Tide. Friday's match will be aired on FSN Southwest and is featured as the SEC's match of the week.
Live stats for the match will be available on www.rolltide.com.
