Alabama volleyball blew a 2-0 lead Friday night to the Ole Miss Rebels, losing 3-2 and extending its losing streak to three. The Crimson Tide now is below .500 for the first time this season, sitting at 10-11 with a 2-9 SEC record.
Alabama overcame a 5 point deficit in Set 1 to take an early 25-23 win. Set 2 was full of chaos, with Alabama coming back from a 4 point deficit early on in the set; however, Ole Miss came back and forced overtime, where Alabama survived with a 28-26 win.
“It’s about staying in it the entire time,” head coach Rashinda Reed said. “Got to keep pushing back. I’m really proud of them.”
Ole Miss dominated Set 3, taking a 5-4 lead early on and never looking back, winning 25-17. Alabama got out to an early 4-1 lead in Set 4 yet could not hold on to the lead and fell 25-19.
Ole Miss kept the momentum going, taking a 7-2 lead in Set 5. Alabama tried to come back, but it was too little too late, and Ole Miss completed the comeback with a 15-10 win.
“We showed a lot of resilience as a team,” Ole Miss outside hitter Gabi Placide said. “I know my team has my back and can cover me so I can swing away. It’s really special.”
Alabama’s Kaleigh Palmer led the team in kills with 15, extending her streak of double-digit kills to five. Victoria Barrett recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 12 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Ryelle Rondo had a new career high of 13 digs.
In the end, Alabama’s offense just couldn’t keep up with Ole Miss for the final three sets. Alabama had more errors (16-12), fewer total attacks (102-91) and a drastically lower hitting percentage (.271-.101).
Alabama’s next match will be on the road Wednesday against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Viewers can watch on ESPN+.
