The Alabama volleyball team earned its ninth win of the season, defeating Alabama A&M in three straight sets on Tuesday.
The Crimson Tide jumped on the Bulldogs early and never let them gain any momentum, sweeping the match by winning the first three sets 25-12, 25-12 and 25-9. It was a bounce-back victory and a break from Southeastern Conference play for the Tide after being beat at home by Mississippi State on Friday.
“That’s one of the reasons this game was scheduled,” head coach Ed Allen said. “We wanted to get a break from SEC play and try to gain a little momentum going into the Kentucky/Tennessee weekend.”
The Tide had two players reach double digits in kills, with Cortney Warren and Leigh Moyer each having 11. Warren is a sophomore outside hitter with a lot of power. Over the last few games, she has developed into a defense stopper, getting multiple blocks at the net for the Tide.
Moyer, a red-shirt junior, is a middle blocker who surprises defenses with her quick leaping ability and her precise ball placement.
“We had the ball control tonight that allowed us to run the middle and get Leigh some quality swings,” Allen said. “Cortney has continued to improve throughout the course of the year. We’re doing a better job of delivering her the ball and allowing her to use her athleticism.”
Moyer said, “We did a really good job of passing, and that’s something we’ve been working on. In order for me to get any kills, my passers have to set me up. It was exciting.”
With the win, the Tide improved its record to 9-8 overall and 2-4 in the SEC. This is one of the few times the team has been over .500 since the start of conference play.
“We have to continue to win to stay above .500,” Allen said. “It’s going to be a challenge for us. We have 14 matches left, and all of those matches are going to be a challenge. Those matches are going to require that we play to the best of our abilities, play together and play smart. If we don’t do those things, then we’re not going to win.”
Moyer said consistency will be the key to the Tide winning tough games late in the season.
“We have to play our game constantly, whether it’s at home or on the road,” Moyer said. “Whether it’s at home or on the road, we have to play the way we are capable of playing.”
