Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee Match Notes

MOBILE, Ala. – Off to its best conference start in 16 years, the University of South Alabama volleyball team will face a huge challenge this weekend when the Jags welcome Sun Belt Conference East Division leaders Middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky to Jag Gym.  USA will open up with WKU on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and then face MTSU on Sunday at noon.  The match with the Hilltoppers was originally scheduled for 7 p.m., but was moved due to the dedication of the new Moulton Bell Tower.

“I am proud of how our team competed this past weekend, but we have a bigger challenge this upcoming weekend  with facing the top-ranked teams in the East Division,” South Alabama head coach Nicole Keshock said.  “We have a lot to work on this week in practice, but I know we are up for the challenge.  Our team is extremely focused and ready to compete again.”

After a weekend sweep of UALR and Arkansas State, the Jags (8-11, 3-1 SBC) are off to their best conference start since the 1994 season when they began league play with a 4-1 mark.  Against the Trojans and the Red Wolves over the weekend, USA was able to capture a pair of thrilling five-set victories, their first of the season.

Juliana Almeida was instrumental in leading South Alabama to the two victories as the senior outside hitter posted a double-double in each match, including a 20 kill, 33 dig performance against ASU on Sunday.  The 33 digs were the second-most in the program’s history and the highest individual tally in 22 seasons.

Almeida continues to pace the club offensively in kills with 3.09 per set, eighth-best in the league.  She is also hitting a solid .263 at the net and ranks third on the club in digs with 3.03. 

Samia Salomao leads the team on the defensive side of the net with 3.59 dps, while freshman libero has raised her average and is close behind with 3.24.  As a team, USA ranks second in the Sun Belt with 16.34 digs per set.  The Jags are also allowing their opponents to hit just .187, fourth in the conference.

The Lady Toppers come into action this week with a 15-4 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in the Sun Belt.  Western Kentucky has also won seven-straight and 10 of its last 11 and is receiving votes in the latest AVCA poll. 

Offensively, the Toppers have been balanced this season as four players are averaging at least 2.39 kills per set.  Junior middle blocker Tiffany Elmore leads the club with 2.94 kps.  She also paces the club with 1.05 blocks per set.  As a team, WKU ranks in the top three in five different categories - hitting percentage (first), kills (second), blocks (second), assists (third) and opponent hitting percentage.

WKU holds a huge advantage in the all-time series between the two clubs with a 32-9 lead in the previous 41 meetings.  Dating back to 1989, USA has dropped 23 of the previous 24 meetings, including the last 14.  South Alabama’s last win versus the Lady Toppers came back during the 1995 season when USA captured a 3-1 victory in Mobile.

The Blue Raiders are one of the hottest teams in the nation entering action this weekend as they have won 11-straight.  Middle Tennessee is 14-5 overall and leads the SBC West Division with a 5-0 record.  MTSU and WKU will square off on Wednesday prior to their matches over the weekend.

Preseason all-conference selection Izabela Kozon has had a stellar season so far and is building a strong resume for player of the year honors.  She currently leads the SBC in kills with 4.25 per set and is hitting a very efficient .283.  Three times this season, Kozon has earned Sun Belt Player of the Week honors, including on Monday.

As a team, the Blue Raiders lead the Sun Belt in kills (14.24), assists (13.09) and blocks (2.50).  They also rank among the national leaders in those same areas.

MTSU has completed dominated the series between the two clubs as they have won all 12 meetings.  The two teams have met three other times, but those wins had to be vacated by the Blue Raiders as a result of NCAA penalties. Middle Tennessee and South Alabama have squared off in Mobile six times, including the first meeting back during the 2000 season.  MTSU has also won seven of the last eight contests in straight-sets.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

NOTES:  On Tuesday, Juliana Almeida as selected to CVU.com’s (College Volleyball Update) Top Performers of the Week list.  Almeida, along with Middle Tennessee’s Izabela Kozon earned the honor for their efforts this past weekend.  It also marked the third time this season that a player from the Sun Belt Conference has received recognition from CVU.com.