TicketsCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The University of Cincinnati women’s volleyball program claimed its first sweep of the season after defeating Alabama on Saturday afternoon inside McKenzie Arena.
The Bearcats (4-1) were named the Chattanooga Classic Champions. Junior Sydney Nolan was named the tournament's "Most Outstanding Player" alongside senior Carly Glendinning, who earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Cincinnati's offensive rhythm was led by its veterans. Nolan (17k) and Glendinning (17k) were the two Bearcats with double-digit kills. Sophomore Andi Spies recorded a double-double with 32 assists and 17 digs. She has tallied 30-plus assists in three consecutive matches.
Graduate student McKenzie Johnson and sophomore Lilly Gillespie added in 12 digs each. Freshman Tatjana Simeunović chipped in six blocks.
Cincinnati opened the match with five straight points, highlighted by a pair of kills from Glendinning. Alabama responded with a 3-0 run to even the score at 16, but the Bearcats surged back as Nolan delivered the go-ahead and match-clinching kill for the 25-23 win.
The second set featured four early ties before Alabama pulled ahead (9-5). Cincinnati responded with a 4-0 run to come within two and force an Alabama timeout (18-16). Glendinning then caught fire, notching three kills to push UC in front late (23-21). A 5-0 surge sealed the frame, capped by back-to-back kills from Gretchen Sigman, as the Bearcats secured the 25-21 win and a 2-0 match lead.
In the final set, the Bearcats traded points with Alabama in a back-and-forth battle that featured 12 ties and multiple lead changes. Cincinnati pulled ahead late and closed the set with Crummel and Spies teaming up for the final block to secure the 30-28 win.
UP NEXT
Cincinnati returns home to take on crosstown rival, Xavier, on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.