Volleyball completes sweep of Blazer Invitational

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CW / Hannah Saad

Alabama finished its weekend at the Blazer Invitational with its third straight sweep, defeating Alcorn State in straight sets Saturday morning at Bartow Arena in Birmingham. The Crimson Tide improved to 8-1 with the win.

Alabama held the lead for the entire match, putting down Alcorn State (2-6) by set scores of 25-12, 25-11 and 25-14. The team’s .405 hitting percentage was its highest since it hit at .448 against Alabama State five years ago.

“Our pressure at the service line is something that we’ve carried over all week from practice,” head coach Lindsey Devine said in a release. “I like that we’re going back with intention at the service line, hitting our serving targets and creating some out-of-system balls. [Junior libero and defensive specialist Kaylee Thomas] has continued to be the voice of the backcourt and the team motivator. She does a great job of uniting our team and her competitiveness is unparalleled. I was pleased with the match [graduate outside hitter Eva Borrowdale] had Friday and I think she really showed how much of a weapon she can be for us.”

Junior outside hitter Doris Carter led the offense with 12 kills and a .450 hitting percentage. Carter also tied her career best and led the team with three service aces.

Borrowdale and Thomas were named to the All-Tournament team. Thomas’ eight digs on Saturday brought her total to 36 for the three-day tournament. Borrowdale had six kills and four digs on Thursday and 11 kills and 10 digs on Friday, but was not listed in the team’s box score on Saturday.

Alabama will make its home debut on Tuesday, Sept. 17 against Kennesaw State at 7 p.m. CT.