VALDOSTA, Ga. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team claimed the school's first Gulf South Conference East Division Championship with a 3-1 road win over Valdosta State on Saturday to close out the regular season.
The Tigers took the opening set 25-21 before the Blazers bounced back to take the second set by the identical score. The Red and White claimed the third set, 25-16, before clinching the match 25-20 in the fourth set. The win was the 28th overall on the season, which is the most since the 1996 season. The Shawna Laurendine-led squad finished 32-14.
Senior Jessica Crook finished with a match-best 20 kills on 35 total attempts. Crook only had five miscues and a pair of service aces. It marked the third time this season that the Ohatchee, Ala.-product has finished with 20-plus kills. Senior Jordan Kent registered 11 kills in the affair along with four total blocks. Junior Thais Hollerbach carded her third double-double in the last four matches with an 11 kill, 12 dig outing. Senior Chanelle Esteban was credited with a match-best 20 digs.
Ruthie King and Arielle Parnell paced VSU with ten kills each. The Blazers (15-12, 4-6) will be the No. 4 seed in the upcoming GSC Tournament in Searcy, Ark. on Nov. 13-14.
By virtue of identical 8-2 conference records, UWA and West Florida finished tied atop the division. The Tigers will either be the No.1 or No. 2 seed from the GSC East in the tournament when the conference releases the official bracket.
UWA closes out the regular season with its home finale on Tuesday, Nov. 10, against NAIA foe Spring Hill. Match time is set for 7 p.m.
