University of Georgia Athletics
University of Georgia
12-4, 0-3
Alabama
13-3, 2-1
Bulldog Rally Falls Short Vs. Alabama
September 30, 2016 | Volleyball
ATHENS, Ga. --- The Bulldogs fought hard in their conference home opener, but Georgia (12-4, 0-3) fell just short against Alabama (13-3, 2-1) in a tight battle, 3-1, at the Ramsey Center on Friday night.
Two sets needed extra points to be decided, and they proved to be the difference as both went to the Crimson Tide to give the guests the victory by set scores of 32-30, 25-15, 21-25, and 30-28.
Maddie Lobenstein led the home side with 18 kills while sophomore Caroline Ostman posted her second double-double of the season with 11 kills and 11 digs in the contest. Junior libero Cassidy Anderson led the Bulldogs with 16 digs on the night.
"We had a really great effort tonight," said head coach Lizzy Stemke. "We missed some executions here and there, which we ended up needing at the end of sets. I thought we were back to our scoring game, which we have worked on all week. We definitely put ourselves in positions to score, which is something we have been working on all season."
The Bulldogs came out strong at the onset, but Alabama proved up to the task by fighting off several set points to take a hard-fought 32-30 first set. The Tide then extended its lead to 2-0 with a 25-15 second set to take control of the match into the intermission.
Georgia started fast out of the locker room, jumping out to a 7-2 lead and forcing a quick timeout. Alabama was able to draw within one point at 7-6, but the Bulldogs were able to keep their opponent at arm's length for the rest of the set and claimed a 25-21 set three.
Set four went in Alabama's favor as they defeated the Bulldogs 30-28. Georgia showcased its grit late in the set, clawing back from a 19-12 deficit to eventually take a 25-24 lead. Similar to the first set, the teams battled deep into play before Alabama emerged victorious with a 30-28 tally in the final frame.
Georgia is back in action Sunday to continue SEC play as it takes on Auburn in the Ramsey Center at 1:30 p.m. ET.
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