Volleyball loses in straight sets to South Carolina

by+Will+Joe+Field+

by Will Joe Field

James Benedetto, Staff Writer

Alabama lost in straight sets to SEC foe South Carolina. The loss gives the Crimson Tide a 1-2 record in SEC play and 13-3 overall.

The Crimson Tide struggled in every aspect of the game. Alabama finished the match with a .103 hitting percentage which is its second lowest of the season. Alabama also struggled to pass the ball, only recording 19 assists for the match. It also committed eight serving errors.

When asked about what went wrong in the match, coach Ed Allen replied with, “Everything.”

“We didn’t pass well, we didn’t execute a gameplan well, we didn’t deliver a ball that allowed hitters to apply pressure,” Allen said. “A lot of mental mistakes on the floor and we lose the first two extended points and we don’t comeback well.”

The Crimson Tide was frustrated by mental errors and by South Carolina’s defense.  Although Alabama had more blocks than South Carolina, finishing with 12 for the match, the home side failed to get its outside hitters going.

Doris Carter who finished the game with the most kills for Alabama with eight, hit under 20 percent. This is only the third time Carter hit under 20 percent all season. Ginger Perinar who normally leads Alabama in kills in a match, finished her night tied for third with six kills. Perinar also hit negative for the second time this year.

One of the few bright spots in the match was the play of Hayley McSparin. McSparin had an efficient game with seven kills and had one of her better hitting percentages at 33 percent. However, it was not enough to break the Crimson Tide out of its hitting funk.

“I think South Carolina as a team defended well and did a nice job at that. We just didn’t come out prepared to play the match,” Allen said.

Alabama looks to redeem itself as it welcomes No. 11 Florida to Foster Auditorium on Sunday. The Gators are coming off a straight set win over LSU in Baton Rouge.