Oct. 11, 2001
LEXINGTON, Ky. –
Alabama-Auburn Notes and Updated Statistics
The University of Kentucky volleyball team returns to conference play on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., vs. Alabama after winning a nail-biter against Evansville on Monday. UK (8-6, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) came back from a 14-11 deficit in the fifth game to win the match, 3-2.
Alabama enters the match with UK with a 10-5 record and a 3-3 mark in conference play, placing them fourth in the SEC standings, a half game ahead of UK in the standings.The trip to Lexington marks the Tide’s first SEC road match of the season. They had won six straight matches at home before being handed a loss by No. 9 Florida last week. Junior Shelly Adamcik became the program’s all-time leader in block assists against Southern Miss on Oct. 2 with 295.
Kentucky holds a 15-3 advantage in the series with the Crimson Tide, which dates back to Oct. 31, 1980, a 2-1 UK win. Alabama’s last win in the series came Oct. 22, 2000, a 3-2 victory in Tuscaloosa. The Tide’s streak stands at one. Alabama is second in the league in service aces per game, averaging 2.17. Freshman Kenna Milner also holds second place in aces per game with her 0.54 average.
“This will be a battle between two teams who play hard and are learning to execute their games,” Coach Jona Braden said. “This will be a very competitive and exciting match because of the importance it has for both teams.”
The Cats welcome SEC-rivals Alabama and Auburn on Sunday during UK’s Homecoming Weekend. Friday night’s match with the Crimson Tide precedes “Big Blue Madness,” Kentucky’s annual kickoff of the basketball season. This year’s 20th anniversary edition of the event is titled, “Midnight Special.”
On Sunday, UK will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its volleyball program with an Alumni Reunion. Members from several former teams and coaching staffs are expected to attend the reception and 2 p.m. matinee match.
