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JAG FRESHMAN LIBERO RANKED NINTH IN THE NATION

JAG FRESHMAN LIBERO RANKED NINTH IN THE NATION

MOBILE, Ala. ? One of the keys to the early success of the Jaguar volleyball team this season has been the outstanding play of freshman libero Samia Salomao.  After the first two weeks of play, Salomao’s average of 5.37 digs per set ranks ninth nationally in the rankings released by the NCAA this week.

 

“The most impressive thing about Samia is that she continues to impress us each time she gets out on the court,” South Alabama volleyball head coach Nicole Keshock said.  “Every match, she makes great plays and that is due to her hard work and eagerness to get better.  We are very proud of her.”

 

Northern Arizona’s Brittany Stowers leads the nation in the dig category with a 6.55 average.  Fellow Sun Belt Conference player Erin Neely of Arkansas State ? fifth in the nation ? is just ahead of Salomao at 5.67 per set.

 

This past weekend, the San Jose Dos Campos, Brazil native, had an outstanding three-matches at the Country Inn & Suites Challenge.  In her 12 sets of action, Salomao recorded 64 digs, averaged 5.33 digs per set and recorded six service aces.  In her final two matches of the weekend, Salomao elevated her play and averaged over six digs per set.  Against UT-Chattanooga on Saturday, matched up against UTC's Laura Newberry, one of the top liberos in the nation and 2007 Libero of the Year as chosen by College Volleyball Update, Salomao went dig for dig with the Lady Moc defensive specialist and was instrumental in almost helping USA rally from a 2-0 match deficit.  The 31 digs by Salomao against UTC ranked as the second most ever by a Jaguar in a match, just four shy of tying former Jag Keturah Carter's mark of 35, set back during the 1989 season.

 

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).

 

NOTE:  As a team, South Alabama 35th nationally in service aces at 1.89 per set.

 

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