MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State hits the road for the second consecutive weekend to open the 2023 season, taking part in the UCF Challenge in Orlando beginning Friday.
 
Alabama State (0-3) begins play against Wake Forest on Sept. 1 with a 3 p.m. match, before taking on FIU on Sept. 2, and UCF on Sept. 3. The matches against Wake Forest and UCF mark the second and third matches against opponents from a Power 5 conference, and the second against a member of the Big 12 (Cincinnati).
 
The Lady Hornets are just one win shy of 700 in program history heading into the weekend, while Madison Beasley is 25 assists shy of 1,500 and Temperance Chatman one dig away from 500 in her career.
 
Match Info
Alabama State vs. Wake Forest
Friday, Sept. 1 | The Venue at UCF | 3 p.m.
Live Stats
Game Notes (.pdf)
 
Alabama State vs. FIU
Saturday, Sept. 2 | The Venue at UCF | 10 a.m.
Live Stats
Game Notes (.pdf)
 
Alabama State at UCF
Sunday, Sept. 3 | The Venue at UCF | 2:30 p.m.
Watch Live | ESPN+
Live Stats
Game Notes (.pdf)
 
Alabama State Notes

• The Lady Hornets are seeking their first win after dropping three matches at the Tribute to #10 tournament in Cincinnati.
• Beasley recorded 43 total assists over the weekend, giving her 1,475 total assists for her career. Meanwhile, Emily Brooks added 33 in three matches.
• Chatman is one dig shy of 500 for her career after a weekend that she recorded 45 total digs.
• Christyn Ashby led Alabama State with 22 total kills, while A'Nylah Cobb added 18 in the three matches.
• As a team, the Lady Hornets recorded 10 service aces (three players) with Chatman leading the way with four.

Wake Forest Notes

• Emma Farrell was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week after picking up 54 total digs and averaging 5.4 digs per set. She is the first pick for the Defensive Player of the Week in the conference since this is the first year of the award.
• Wake Forest is in the top five within five ACC team statistical categories including the top spot in digs per set.
• They are 3-0 for the first time since 2021.

FIU Notes

• FIU finished 1-2 at the 'Canes Classic hosted by Miami last weekend, picking up a straight-set victory over Lamar.
• Mackenzie Morgan led FIU with 26 kills in the three matches and finished with 14 digs, including seven against Maryland.
• Jade Sadeiko recorded 23 kills over the weekend, including 12 against Lamar.
• Gianna Tagoa'i was named the Conference USA Freshman of the Week after her performance this past weekend after she totaled 52 assists.

UCF Notes

• The Knights enter their first year in the Big 12 after five consecutive conference championships in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
• Central Florida started the season 3-0 at the UAlbany Volleyball Classic led by all-tournament selections Abby Hansen (MVP), Abby Schomers, and Avah Armour.
• UCF added a total of seven newcomers to this year's team, to go along with eight returning players.
• The Knights are ranked in four categories in the NCAA including 15th in opponents' hitting percentage (0.089).

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