Blazers Shut Down ECU Volleyball

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The East Carolina volleyball team fell to its fourth-straight loss on Sunday, dropping a three-set decison (19-25, 17-25, 13-25) to UAB at Bartow Arena. The Pirates dip to 8-11 overall and 1-6 in conference play while the Blazers improve to 10-10 in 2009 and 4-2 in Conference USA action.
Holding a slim 6-5 lead in the first set, UAB reeled off three-straight points to extend the advantage to four, before ECU produced a 3-0 run of its own to pull within 9-8. However, the Blazers scored on eight of the next 12 rallies to establish some breathing room at 17-12. UAB had no trouble closing out the frame from there, cruising to a 1-0 match lead.
Looking to tie the contest, the Pirates stayed close and trailed just 12-10 before the Blazers built a five-point cushion with a 3-0 run. East Carolina came as close as 18-14 but UAB was too much, ending the interval with a 7-3 stretch.
The Blazers took control early in the third frame, taking a 10-6 advantage. UAB would extend the lead to 12-6 and then 18-9, eventually clinching the sweep with a match-ending 7-4 run.
Redshirt sophomore Britney Roper tallied her second double-digit kill effort in as many contests, notching 10, while senior Bobbie Jo Stall established a new career-best with nine. Defensively, seniors Stephanie Turner and Hannah Fenker led the squad with seven digs. Additionally, Stall and redshirt freshman Briana Fleener earned their first starts of the year.
The Pirate offense continued its recent struggles, as ECU hit just .099 while the Blazers enjoyed a fine performance at .399. UAB also recorded more kills (39-30), digs (47-33) and aces (6-3) while the teams matched each other at the net as both turned in six blocks.
The Pirates return home for two matches next weekend, hosting UTEP on Friday and defending C-USA champion Tulane on Sunday. First serve against the Miners is set for 7 p.m.