LIVINGSTON, Ala. - As Gulf South Conference play approaches, the University of West Alabama Volleyball team is set for their final non-conference matchup as the Tigers make the trip to Tuscaloosa for a 6:00 p.m. contest against Stillman.

West Alabama (0-8) enters Thursday's match with their sights set on securing their first win of the season while Stillman (3-7) comes in after back-to-back wins over Wilberforce and Oakwood in the past week. 

With 15 of 16 players on the roster being a freshman or a sophomore, UWA is easily one of the youngest teams in the country. Leading the youth movement is Outside Hitter Jaida Alvin, Libero Maggie Roddam, and Setter Taylor Lamontagne who have all made big impacts to begin the year. 

Alvin is the go-to player for the Tigers on offense as the sophomore currently leads the team with 50 kills. As West Alabama's All-around, Alvin is solid defensively as well, leading the team with 67 digs while picking up five blocks on the year. The Outside Hitter has recorded double-digit digs in three out of UWA's eight matches so far, including a season-high 17 digs against Bluefield State earlier this month.

As a true freshman, Roddam has come in and taken over the Libero spot for the Tigers. The freshman has been solid in West Alabama's backline, registering 65 digs through eight games which ranks second amongst the team, behind Alvin. The Libero has recorded double-digit digs in four games, including a career and season-high 15 in her collegiate debut against UVA Wise.

Much like Roddam, Lamontagne has taken over a starting spot, as a true freshman, as she's the engine of the Tiger offense. At Setter, Lamontagne has dished out 95 assists through her first eight collegiate matches and looks to gain some momentum, along with the rest of the team on Thursday against Stillman.

After beginning the year 1-7, Stillman has rattled off two consecutive dominant wins, dropping just one set in the two matches combined. Despite their previous two results, Stillman has struggled offensively to begin the 2024 campaign, accumulating 289 kills on a .063 hitting percentage, resulting in their 3-7 record. 

The Tigers of Stillman have a balanced offense as they possess four players with 45 or more kills this season. Leading the way is Paige Eason and Katelyn Lawson. Eason and Lawson are tied for the team lead in kills with 55 while Raine Patterson and Ava Cameron are right behind them with 50 and 48, respectively. 

Eason has put down kills for Stillman but has struggled with her efficiency as the sophomore Outside Hitter carries a .012 hitting percentage into Thursday's matchup. Lawson, on the other hand, has been a bit inconsistent for Stillman. The junior has recorded double-digit kills with hitting percentages over .300 in three contests while also turning in negative hitting percentages in three matches. 

First serve for Thursday's match is set for 6:00 p.m. from the Birthright Alumni Hall.