MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team opened Gulf South Conference play in fine fashion with a thrilling 3-1 road win over in-state rival Montevallo at the Student Activity Center on the UM campus.  With the win, UWA moves to 12-0 on the season.

The match was deemed the inaugural GSC ‘Match of the Week’ and it held up to its billing.  The Tigers claimed game one 30-24, but the homestanding Falcons evened the match in game two at 30-21.  The Red and White rebounded in game three after being down 17-12 at one point in the match.  UWA rallied off seven straight points to regain the momentum as the Tigers topped UM 30-23 to take a 2-1 advantage.  In the match-clinching game, UWA once again rallied to claim the final game.  The Falcons held a 20-15 lead before running off six consecutive points to gain the edge back in favor of the Red and White.  UM looked to push the match to a fifth and deciding game when the Purple and Gold took a 27-25 lead, but the Tigers finished off the match with five straight points to claim their first win over UM since the 1994 campaign.

 “This was a great match and a great win,” said head coach Ron Arenz.  “It is huge to come on the road in the conference and pick up a win.  “We look to continue our roll this weekend when we host Southern Arkansas on Friday and Saturday.

 Junior Allison Nail posted a match-high 20 kills, while sophomore Ana Gabriela Pedrosa registered a double-double with 17 kills and 14 digs.  Giuliana De Francesco finished with 54 assists.  UM was paced by Katy Handrick, who carded 15 kills in the loss.

 The Tigers will continue GSC action this weekend, hosting Western Division foe Southern Arkansas on Friday, Sept. 14 and Saturday, Sept. 15 at Pruitt Hall on the UWA campus.  Match times are slated for 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. CST.