MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Sept. 5, 2023) – The University of North Alabama volleyball team picked up its third win of the year on the road after defeating the Alabama State Hornets, 3-1, on Tuesday in Montgomery, Ala..
The Lions (3-3) lost the first point of the set one but responded with a run to put themselves up early. UNA led by as many as seven points and held off the Hornets' (0-7) comeback to take the first set, 25-21
Set two was more competitive as North Alabama got out to an early lead but could not fend off the attack of Alabama State. The Hornets fought their way back after being down by eight at one point, thanks to a run of six points to cut the deficit. UNA and ASU traded points heading to the 25-point set mark, but it needed to go into a win-by-two situation. The Hornets, ultimately, went on to win an entertaining set, 29-27, after seizing the momentum with three straight points.
North Alabama responded in the third set by coming out and setting the tone with an early lead in the fourth set. Alabama State would not down easily, keeping up with the Lions as the set went on. Cutting the lead down to as much as three, UNA eventually outlasted the Hornets to take the swing set, 25-18.
As was a common theme in the match, UNA took the early lead in set four. The lead never extended to more than four, but the fast start in the set for the Lions was enough for them to win the clinching set, 25-20, for the 3-1 victory.
Graduate middle blocker Anna Katherine Griggs led all players with a season-high 16 kills, followed by freshman outside hitter Avery Markham with 11. Graduate libero Luana Bulara, Markham, and senior defensive specialist/libero Katie Gerig took the top three spots in digs with 19, 15 and 12, respectively. Senior setter Kennedey Johnson had 45 assists on the night to lead all players, and Griggs led UNA in blocks with two.
North Alabama will get a few days rest before heading to Washington D.C. for the DC Showdown, where they will take on the George Washington University at noon on Sept. 8.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
