Mississippi State
Alabama
Bulldogs, Tide Battle On The SEC Network Friday
October 26, 2017 | Volleyball
STARKVILLE, Miss. — With its fourth nationally televised game of the season, Mississippi State (9-15, 0-9 SEC) welcomes Alabama (15-8, 3-6 SEC) to Starkville looking to get back into the win column.
The match will air on the SEC Network at 8 p.m. CT, with Melissa Lee and Jenny Hazelwood calling the game. Fans can also access the match via the WatchESPN app.
"Alabama is another very good team," third-year coach David McFatrich said. "We're looking forward to playing them. Every match we play we're looking at it as a way to get better. We're working hard in practice, and we're trying to make little improvements everywhere. We're looking forward to having Alabama here this Friday."
This Weeks Schedule …
Friday, October 27
Alabama vs. Mississippi State – 8 p.m. CT
Live Stats - http://hailst.at/2iylTtm
SEC Network - http://hailst.at/2iyXALO
Sunday, October 29
No. 4 Florida vs. Mississippi State – Noon CT
Live Stats - http://hailst.at/2iBqECx
SEC Network + - http://hailst.at/2iyZqfC
Setting The Scene…
After falling to Arkansas on the road (18-25, 7-25, 18-25), the Bulldogs welcome Alabama to Newell Grissom for a SEC Network showdown on Friday.
Sunday, October 22
Arkansas defeated MSU (18-25, 7-25, 18-25).
MSU Welcomes Alabama to Newell Grissom ...
Friday's match will mark the 62nd meeting between the Bulldogs and the Crimson Tide. Alabama leads the series 45-16, 17-10 in Starkville.
Scouting The Alabama Crimson Tide ...
Alabama is currently 3-6 in SEC play, with a notable 15-8 overall record. Leah Lawrence and Christine Jarman lead the way for the Crimson Tide on the overall stat sheets.
So far this season, Lawrence has accumulated 217 kills, 26 service aces, 95 total blocks and 304.0 blocks. Jarman has 211 kills, 837 total attacks, 178 digs and 236.0 points this season.
A Bulldog Win Would …
• Be the first nationally televised match of the season
• End Alabama's one game win streak in the series.
Who's Leading The Dawgs
Kills: Jelena Vujcin, 292
Kills Per Set: Jelena Vujcin, 3.48
Assists: Morgan Kath, 661
Service Aces: Jelena Vujcin, 22
Digs: Gabby Zgunda, 236
Total Blocks: Laura Rose Gray, 66.0
Block Solos: Laura Rose Gray, 13.0
Points: Jelena Vujcin, 342.0
Harris Achieves The MSU's Digs Record…
Senior Payton Harris eclipsed the 1,000 digs mark for her career last season. On Oct. 1, 2017, against No. 10 Kentucky, Harris achieved the school record. She now has 1,749. She surpassed Melissa Kariker (1993-1996) who held the first place spot with 1,707 digs. She missed the game at Missouri due to an injury.
Lehto Chasing The Freshman Assists Record Book ...
Freshman Carina Lehto has been credited with 156 assists this season, the ninth most for a MSU freshman. She is 38 away from tying the eighth spot (Grace Hoyt).
Gray Sets Her Eyes On Total Blocks Record Book ...
Freshman Laura Rose Gray has been credited with 66 total blocks this season. She currently holds the ninth spot for most total blocks as a freshman and is one shy from eighth place (Erin Seago).
Swing, Sara, Swing!
Sara Maddox completed her first collegiate game at SMU with a career-high 25 kills. Currently, she has 197 kills and 212.0 points.
Jelena Vujcin Shines On The Stat Charts
Jelena Vujcin leads the team in three categories: kills (292), kills per set (3.48) and points (342.0).
Zgunda can "dig it"
Freshman Gabby Zgunda currently leads the team with 236 digs this season and had a season-high 26 against Rice on August 26.
Marketing Events for Alabama …
- Theme: Dog bone Claim Day
- Giveaway: Every dog bone that is picked up on the Drill Field on Friday morning can be brought to the Griss Friday night to claim a prize at the match. Prizes will be claimed at the marketing table.
- DOUBLE POINTS night with HailState Rewards! Students who check-in at the match will receive 375 HSR points.
- Volleyball Bingo! Get your card at the marketing table to follow along with the game. The first five winners will receive a prize at the marketing table.
Admission to Newell-Grissom
During the 2017 season, admission is free for all home Mississippi State volleyball matches at Newell-Grissom.
MSU Welcomes No. 4 Florida to Newell-Grissom …
After Friday's match against Alabama, the Bulldogs are back at home to take on the No. 4 Florida Gators. The game will air Sunday, Oct. 29 on the SEC Network+. First serve is set for Noon in Starkville.
For more information on Mississippi State volleyball, follow the Bulldogs on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "HailStateVB." You can also find all-access coverage of the program on SnapChat by searching for "HailStateSnap."
