Alabama Volleyball Secures Two Victories at Roadrunner Classic

The Alabama volleyball team showcased its resilience and determination with two hard-fought wins on Friday at the Roadrunner Classic, defeating Sam Houston in four sets during the afternoon and staging a thrilling comeback to beat tournament host UTSA in five sets later that night.

Afternoon Match: Alabama vs. Sam Houston

Alabama (7-1) began the day against Sam Houston (4-4) with an intense match that set the tone for the day’s competitions. The Crimson Tide took the opening set with an impressive run of six unanswered points, securing a 25-21 victory. However, the Bearkats quickly responded, dominating the second set with a decisive 25-10 win to level the match.

In the third set, Alabama reached set point at 24-16, but Sam Houston pushed back with four consecutive points before a crucial kill by Kayla Keshock sealed the 25-20 win for the Tide. The fourth set saw Alabama take an early 4-3 lead, and despite a tie at 18-18, the Tide managed to maintain their composure. Leading 22-21, Alabama closed out the match with three straight points to secure the set 25-21 and the match 3-1.

Nightcap: Alabama vs. UTSA

In the evening, Alabama faced tournament host UTSA (4-5) in a match that was a testament to their grit and perseverance. The opening set was a nail-biter, extending beyond the usual 25-point mark before Alabama edged out a 27-25 win. The second set mirrored the first in intensity, with a late attack error from UTSA tying the frame at 24-24. However, the Roadrunners capitalized on back-to-back points to take the set 26-24 and even the match.

The third set saw Alabama jump to an early 9-3 lead, but UTSA fought back to tie it at 15-15 and eventually took control to win 25-22, gaining a 2-1 match advantage. Trailing 18-14 in the fourth set, Alabama called a timeout and mounted a determined comeback to tie the set at 19-19. The Tide then took a late lead at 22-21 and held on to win 25-22, forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, Alabama built an early lead at 8-5 and managed to maintain their momentum, ultimately securing a 15-12 victory to complete the comeback and win the match 3-2.

Quotes and Reactions

Head Coach Lindsey Devine praised her team’s tenacity and teamwork, stating, “These matches tested our resolve, and I couldn’t be prouder of how the team responded under pressure. Our ability to stay focused and fight for every point was key to our success today.”

Senior captain Abby Marjama added, “It’s all about trusting each other and pushing through tough moments. We stayed united and believed in our game plan, which made all the difference.”

Looking Ahead

With these victories, Alabama improves its record to 7-1, building momentum as they continue their season. The Crimson Tide will aim to carry this winning spirit into their upcoming matches, determined to maintain their strong performance and achieve their goals for the season.

Final Thoughts

Alabama volleyball’s performance at the Roadrunner Classic underscores their resilience and competitive spirit. With solid teamwork and the ability to thrive under pressure, the Crimson Tide has set a high standard for the rest of their season.