Alabama
Western Kentucky
Volleyball Falls 3-2 in Season Opening Thriller
8/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 29, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - In its season opener, the Alabama women's volleyball team put up a hard-fought match, but was ultimately edged by Western Kentucky, 3-2, Friday night at the CAVE during day one of the Hampton Inn Bama Bash. With the loss, the Tide drops to 19-9 in season openers and 0-1 all-time against the Lady Toppers.
"I am very pleased that we had to play this level of a volleyball match in our opening match of the season," said head coach Judy Green. "I think our team needed to be challenged immediately."
Mary Catherine Aune tallied a career-high eight service aces, while Brooks Webster led Alabama in kills with 19. Lauren Martin dished out 39 assists, and Amy Pauly led the Tide in digs with 12.
"Mary Catherine came off the bench and absolutely gave us a spark," remarked Green. "She has a great serve, but it wasn't just about her serve tonight. It was about the fact that she passed and played defense."
Much of the first set remained close with neither team taking more than a two-point lead until the Lady Toppers went ahead 15-12. Alabama held strong, but three straight kills by Megan Argabright helped the Lady Toppers come up with the first set 25-19.
The Tide jumped out to a commanding 9-0 lead in the second set. Alabama held Western Kentucky to just nice points with only four kills. Momentum continued for the Tide in the third as Alabama jumped to a quick 3-0 lead off two service aces from Aune. The Lady Toppers attempted a comeback, but were held off by the Tide.
"I thought the way we responded in set two and three, the way we responded after losing the first set, was fantastic for our team," Green said.
Alabama found itself down early in the fourth 3-9, but rallied back to get within three of the lead. The Lady Toppers, then, went on a 15-9 run to take the set. The Tide led early in the fifth, and deciding, set 4-0, but after a Western Kentucky timeout, the Lady Toppers scored five-straight points to take the lead and the eventual win.
Prior to Alabama's match, Iowa and Nicholls State got together to open the Hampton Inn Bama Bash where the Hawkeyes topped the Colonels in straight sets 25-12, 25-20, 25-19.
Alabama returns to the court for the second, and final, day of the Hampton Inn Bama Bash tomorrow when it takes on Nicholls State at 1:00 p.m. (CST) and Iowa at 7:00 p.m. (CST). Tickets for all matches will be available at the door. Contact the Alabama Ticket Office at 1-877-TIDETIX or visit www.rolltide.com for more information.
