Volleyball Takes on Bulldogs in Midweek Matchup
10/28/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 28, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The volleyball team will travel to Starkville, Miss. for a midweek contest with Mississippi State on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. (CST). This will be the first meeting of the season for the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs. Alabama currently sits at 10-10 on the season and 3-8 in Southeastern Conference matches, while Mississippi State owns a 6-16 mark overall and 1-10 record in league play.
The Tide suffered a pair of 3-0 losses last weekend to Tennessee and then-No. 22 Kentucky. Despite the sweeps, both matches were decided by only nine points. The Lady Volunteers won each set by a score of 25-22, while the Wildcats emerged victorious by a score of 25-23, 25-22, 25-21. The Bulldogs also lost in three-set fashion to Kentucky and Tennessee 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 and 25-16, 25-16, 25-17, respectively.
Although the matches go down as losses on the schedule, Alabama Head Coach Judy Green was pleased with the effort and progress she saw in her team.
"If we continue to be dedicated to doing things the right way our team will turn our fate around starting this week," said Green. "We are going to remain focused on one match at a time, but we believe our players are ready to make a great push forward starting at Mississippi State."
The Tide won both meetings between the two programs last season. The most recent matchup came on Oct. 24, 2007 when Alabama earned the 3-1 win at home. The Tide currently owns a 35-13 advantage in the all-time series.
Alabama is paced on offense by Brooks Webster, who averages 3.93 kills per set ranking No. 1 in the SEC. Lauren Martin and Stephanie Riley split the setting duties, while Amy Pauly anchors the defense with 4.03 digs per frame.
The Bulldogs are led on offense by Ioana Demian who averages 2.95 kills per set. Mississippi State has one of the best blockers in the league in Ashley Newsome. She currently records 1.08 rejections per frame ranking No. 95 in the nation.
Alabama will play its second of four consecutive road matches Sunday when it travels to take on Auburn. Opening serve is slated for 1:30 p.m. (CST).
