HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team's 2026 season came to an end Friday afternoon as the Tigers fell to Montevallo in four sets (24-26, 25-21, 21-25, 15-25) in the Gulf South Conference Tournament semifinals at SportsMED Arena in Spragins Hall.
West Alabama finished its season with a 27-7 overall record and a 13-5 mark in Gulf South Conference play, closing out a successful campaign that featured individual milestones, conference honors and a postseason run.
The Tigers opened Friday's matchup with a competitive first set, battling Montevallo through 13 ties and four lead changes. West Alabama recorded 17 kills while hitting .269, but the Falcons managed to edge the Tigers 26-24 to take an early advantage.
West Alabama responded in the second set, finding its offensive rhythm and hitting a match-high .297. The Tigers limited their attack errors to just two in the set and secured a 25-21 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
With the match tied, both teams continued to battle in the third set. The Tigers recorded 14 kills, but Montevallo maintained its offensive production and pulled away for a 25-21 win to regain control of the match.
The Falcons carried that momentum into the fourth set, holding West Alabama to six kills and a negative hitting percentage. Montevallo closed out the match with a 25-15 victory to advance to the conference championship.
Sophomore outside hitter Klára Bobánová led the Tigers offensively with 18 kills and three block assists. Jazlyn Snow and Katerina Korre each contributed nine kills, while Snow added six block assists.
Freshman setter Rachele Zanini directed the West Alabama offense with 40 assists, 10 digs and two service aces. Ola Winiarek recorded a team-high 20 digs alongside six kills and two aces, while Charlotte Kerscher added 16 digs and two aces.
Montevallo was led by Katie Wilkerson, who finished with a match-high 23 kills. Lilly Singleton added 15 kills, while Blakeley Robbins distributed 62 assists for the Falcons.
Despite Friday's result, the Tigers conclude a memorable 2026 campaign highlighted by several individual accomplishments. Bobánová earned All-GSC First Team recognition, while Zanini was named both the GSC Setter of the Year and Freshman of the Year in addition to earning First Team honors. Korre and Snow were also recognized with All-GSC Second Team selections.
West Alabama's season also included significant milestones, including head coach Ed Allen's 750th career victory and record-setting performances throughout conference play.
The Tigers close the 2026 season with 27 victories, bringing an end to a year defined by competitive conference play, individual achievements and continued growth for the program.
