LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team returns to Gulf South Conference action Saturday afternoon as the Tigers travel to Clinton, Mississippi, to face Mississippi Christian University at A.E. Wood Coliseum. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
West Alabama enters the matchup at 22-2 overall and 9-1 in GSC play following a straight-set victory over Union on Tuesday. The Tigers have won four consecutive matches and will look to continue their strong start to the second half of conference play.
THE MATCHUP
West Alabama enters Saturday's contest carrying momentum from Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Union in Jackson, Tennessee. The Tigers claimed the match by scores of 25-21, 25-18 and 25-20, securing head coach
Ed Allen's 750th career victory.
The win marked West Alabama's fourth consecutive victory following wins over Miles, Trevecca Nazarene and Lee. The Tigers have also established themselves as a strong road team this season, holding a 6-1 record in away matches.
West Alabama continues to find success through an efficient offense, averaging 13.39 kills per set while hitting .278 as a team. The Tigers have also limited opponents to a .133 hitting percentage this season.
SCOUTING MISSISSIPPI CHRISTIAN
Mississippi Christian enters Saturday's matchup at 7-15 overall and 4-6 in conference play following a five-set loss to Christian Brothers on Tuesday.
The Choctaws battled back from a two-set deficit to force a deciding fifth set before falling 15-10. Meg Paparella led Mississippi Christian with 15 kills, while Cydney Mitchell added 11 kills and five total blocks. Samarin Kipple contributed 28 digs in the contest.
Mississippi Christian has found success defensively this season, averaging 15.68 digs and 1.81 blocks per set. Mitchell leads the Choctaws at the net with 52 total blocks entering Tuesday's match, while Kipple anchors the back row with 363 digs entering the contest.
Offensively, Paparella leads the team with 165 kills following Tuesday's performance, while Mary Grace Foster and Mitchell provide additional attacking options.
TIGERS TO WATCH
Klára Bobánová continues to lead West Alabama's offense with 258 kills and a .308 hitting percentage this season. The sophomore recently earned GSC Offensive Player of the Week honors following her performances against Miles, Trevecca Nazarene and Lee.
Katerina Korre enters Saturday's contest following Player of the Match honors against Union. Korre has recorded 223 kills this season while hitting .301, providing another consistent offensive option for the Tigers.
Freshman setter
Rachele Zanini has directed West Alabama's attack throughout the season, totaling 797 assists while averaging 10.09 per set.
SERIES HISTORY
Since 2014, Mississippi Christian holds a narrow 13-12 advantage over West Alabama in the series.
The Tigers have won the last two meetings, including a straight-set victory at Pruitt Hall on September 18. West Alabama secured the win by scores of 25-18, 25-17 and 25-19.
A victory Saturday would even the series at 13 wins apiece since 2014 and mark the Tigers' third consecutive win over the Choctaws.
WHAT TO WATCH
Saturday's matchup features two teams with different strengths. West Alabama enters with an efficient offense, while Mississippi Christian has relied on its defensive presence at the net to challenge opponents.
The Tigers will look to establish their offensive rhythm early and maintain the consistency that has helped them win four straight matches. With the second half of GSC play underway, Saturday presents another opportunity for West Alabama to strengthen its position in the conference standings.
UP NEXT
Following Saturday's contest, West Alabama will travel to Valdosta, Georgia, to face Valdosta State on Friday, Oct. 23. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT at The Complex.
