University of Tennessee Athletics
VOLLEYBALL CENTRAL: at Missouri
October 01, 2015 | Volleyball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- After three weekends on the road, the Tennessee volleyball team is back home to host Alabama on Friday to open the home SEC schedule at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The Vols (15-2, 1-1 SEC) take on Alabama (7-8, 1-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. Eastern. Tennessee will be back on the road for a Sunday match at Missouri at 2:30 p.m.
Both matches will be streamed live as part of the SEC Network+, available on the WatchESPN app and ESPN3.com.
THE SERIES
Vs. ALABAMA
Series: UT leads 33-15
Last 10: UT leads 7-3
Current Streak: UA W3
Last Match: Alabama won 3-0 on the road in the final match of 2014. Kanisha Jimenez led with seven kills, and Lexi Dempsey had 26 assists.
Vs. MISSOURI
Series: UM leads 5-2
Last 10: UM leads 5-2
Current Streak: UM W3
Last Match: Missouri won 3-1. Kendra Turner had a career-high 23 kills while hitting .308. Lexi Dempsey had 46 kills.
LAST WEEK
Tennessee went 1-1 to start SEC play on the road, losing to Auburn 3-1 before defeating Georgia 3-0.
Senior setter Lexi Dempsey recorded double-doubles in both matches, giving her eight this season. Erica Treiber had 10 blocks in the win over Georgia, the most by a UT player this year. Libero Bridgette Villano had 28 digs against Auburn, a career best.
The Vols have won matches 3-0 eight times this year (8-1 in three-set matches)
IN THE NATIONAL RANKINGS
Tennessee has held opponents to .123 hitting this season, which ranks fifth in the NCAA (through Wednesday).
The Vols also rank 30th in digs per set with 16.53. Bridgette Villano is 58th (4.74 d/set).
In the SEC, the Vols are second in opponent hitting percentage and digs per set and fourth in blocks per set (2.43).
BLOCK PARTY
Tennessee is looking to set the record for attendance at a volleyball-only event at Thompson-Boling Arena. The current attendance record is 2,012, set Oct. 28, 2011, in a match against Florida. UT has hosted crowds of 1,900 or more three times. (Note that UT had a crowd of 3,311 in a 2005 match against Georgia at TBA, but it took place before a Midnight Madness basketball event.)
Regular admission at the gate is $3, but admission is free for those who bring their Arkansas football tickets. The Volunteer Volleyball Value Package is also available. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets for $3 each, that includes general admission, a hot dog voucher and a drink voucher.
Gates at Thompson-Boling Arena will open an hour before match time at 6 p.m. for a free "Block Party" with games, prizes, face painting and more. The first 750 UT students get a free tank top.
