The Chattanooga Mocs volleyball team beat out the UAB Blazers 3-1 in their first match of the Scenic City Showdown - Presented by Hampton Inn & Suites (Downtown Chattanooga).
"We played our style," head coach Travis Filar stated. "Hopefully it's something we can build on into the rest of the tournament."
The first two sets were neck-to-neck, neither team finishing below 21 points. The Mocs claimed the first set 25-21 and lost the second set in a nail-biter 28-26. Then, UTC dominated in the third and fourth sets, not allowing the Blazers to win more than 16 points in either.
"I felt like we controlled the third and fourth sets after a frustrating loss in the second set," Filar said.
"Our pressure from the service line gave us momentum."
Sarah Batterton (Colbert, Wash.) dominated on offense by marking a team-high of 19 kills, while posting a .643 attack percentage. Catherine Chason (Alpharetta, Ga.) led the back-court with 12 digs, while recording three service aces. Allie Davenport (Tyrone, Ga.) also hit two aces, adding to the Mocs aggressiveness from the service line.
"UAB, Austin Peay and Gardner-Webb are all so similar to Southern Conference opponents," Filar stated. "To get us ready for conference play, we have to beat teams like this."
Austin Peay edged Gardner-Webb 3-2 in the opening match of the tournament Friday afternoon.
The Mocs face the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs Saturday at 12:30 (E.D.T), followed by the Austin Peay Governors at 7:00 p.m. to close out their last home tournament of the season in Maclellan Gym.