Box Score vs. Emporia State   |   Box Score vs. Eastern New Mexico

OMAHA, Neb., – After suffering a sweep at the hands of third-ranked Emporia State to open the season, the University of North Alabama volleyball team rebounded to knock off Eastern New Mexico Friday at the Nebraska-Omaha 2009 Volleyball Showcase.

Sarah Roberts totaled 22 kills for the day, including 16 during the 3-1 win over the Zias (0-2). The junior from Maryville, Tenn., added five digs as the Lions (1-1) rebounded from an early 0-1 deficit to post the 19-25, 25- 18, 25-14, 25-15 win.

Cara Gregg just missed a double-double after recording nine kills and 12 digs for UNA. Brigid O’Brien added 11 digs while senior setter Alison Jacobs netted 41 assists.

The Lions struggled to score in the first game, recording a team hitting percentage of only .028. UNA, however, hit over .300 the next two sets, getting .393 in the second set and .310 in the third.

Against Emporia State, the Lions could never get their offense on track, hitting just .069 for the match. The Hornets had 36 digs, three solo blocks and 10 block assists in the 25-18, 25-15, 25-21 win.

Gregg led UNA with 11 kills. The freshman from Knoxville, Tenn., also added six digs while Jacobs posted 21 assists and three kills for the Lions.

The Lions will continue play in Omaha with a pair of matches on Saturday. UNA will take on Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. before facing the host Mavericks at 6:30.