Dent adds awards

Marlon Glenn, Sports Writer
Published On: 10/ 6/2008

Senior middle blocker Casey Dent literally smashed her way to the Conference USA award after combining for 35 kills in UAB volleyball wins over East Carolina and Marshall.

“It’s a great honor all around. It shows people notice when you play well and step up,” said Dent.

The Blazers earned a hard-fought win against East Carolina, winning in five sets (25-20, 17-25, 18-25, 25-19, 19-17). The Blazers rallied after being down two sets to one, but taking the final two to secure the victory.

This turned out to be a game of personal records for Dent and senior setter Nevena Stefanov. Dent had a career high 21 kills, and led the way with a game high .559 hitting percentage. Stefanov chalked up a season high 54 assists.
Ivana Bozic notched a double-double with 15 kills and 13 digs. Senior Aleksandra Vujovic tallied 13 digs.

“Just by statistics, I’m a consistent player,” said Dent. “I don’t make too many unforced errors. That’s kind of my job on the team.”

The Blazers needed another big game from the Pelham High School alum in their five-set win versus Marshall two days later. Once again, the Blazers were down two sets to one after winning the first set, but UAB courageously won 3-2 (26-24, 20-25, 19-25, 25-22, 18-16).

“We came in knowing it’d be a tough match and knowing we’d go five. We came together, and everyone did their job,” said Dent.

Dent delivered 14 kills and posted a percentage of .333. She also had three kills against Marshall. Stefanov tallied 53 assists, five digs and is second all time in UAB’s history for assists in a career. Freshman libero Heather Thomas recorded 11 digs.

Junior outside hitter Andrea Lalic recorded 12 kills. Bozic barely missed a double-double with 11 digs and eight kills. Senior middle blocker Lily Domingos had 16 kills, two assists and two digs.

Consistency is a big part of Dent’s game. Perhaps consistency explains the high percentage in kills against East Carolina and Marshall.

“I was very consistent. [I was] able to see the block. I have options with tipping and rolling,” said Dent.

According to Stefanov, Conference USA has not been able to stop her. Senior outside hitter Bozic is proud of her teammate for her efforts.

“I’m very proud of her and her actions because she’s a great player and as a team, we played great,” said Bozic. “She proved it this weekend and hopefully she’ll prove it this season.”

Despite the team losing their home season opener, Dent feels the team is where they want to be in the season.
“We have three weekends of tournaments. Against Memphis we didn’t play well, but I think we’ve come back from Memphis. We’re all coming together,” said Dent.

Dent attributes experience as her key to her success on the court. She has been a key figure on the team, starting in 90 games in the past three seasons ,and nothing is different this season.

“It has a lot to do with experience. Your confidence increases, you’re comfortable with your shots, your team and calling different sets,” said Dent.

Email: mjglenn@uab.edu