TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – After back-to-back losses to start the Ball State Tournament, the Tide capped off the weekend with a 4-set win over Arkansas State (26-24, 22-25, 25-18, 25-16). The Tide seemed to find their way on offense, as they limited attacking errors and were very efficient. Serving was superb, with a season-high 15 aces.
A nice kill by junior OH Kendyl Reaugh tied up the match at 7. It would remain back and forth, as a kill by 5th-year senior OH Abby Marjama made it 20-20. The Tide was not able to convert a 24-23 set point, but won it back to take the 1st set 26-24.
The Red Wolves came powering back, taking an early 3-8 lead in the 2nd set, later expanding to a 12-19 margin. A double block by Marjama and sophomore MH Laila Smith aided a 7-0 run, where the Tide tied it up at 20. Unfortunately, Arkansas State would take the set 22-25 after a valiant Tide effort.
A kill by senior MH Alyiah Wells capped off a run by the Tide as they took an early 3rd set 12-8 lead. Alabama would continue their momentum, going up 20-15, and taking set 3 25-18.
Set 4 saw Arkansas State go up early, but the Tide rallied back to take the lead 10-7. An impressive 7-0 run gave the Tide a double digit 21-11 lead. Alabama took an impressive 25-16 set 4 win.
Through their first nine matches, the Tide is above .500, as their record improves to 5-4. The team will travel to Fort Worth, Texas to compete in the TCU Tournament this coming weekend.
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