Nov. 22, 2002
Fayetteville, Ark. – The 18th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (21-6, 14-2 SEC) were upset 3-0 in the 2002 SEC Tournament by the Alabama Crimson Tide (19-13, 8-8 SEC). Game scores were 30-24, 30-20, 30-23. Cally Plummer led the Gamecocks in kills with 11 while Sarah Morgan followed with 10. The Gamecocks were held to a .167 hitting percentage and were out dug by the Tide 61-44.
“Alabama played well today and we helped them out some. We didn’t follow our scouting report,” said head coach Kim Christopher. Alabama had everything to play for. That made their season. They deserved it. They totally outplayed us.”
Despite posting an early lead, the Gamecocks were flat in game one as they fell to the Tide 30-24. The Tide had all players record a kill in game one while they out killed Carolina 19-15. Cally Plummer led the Gamecocks with five kills in game one while Berna Dwyer and Sarah Morgan each hit .429.
The Gamecocks continued to struggle in game two as they fell 30-20 and the Tide took a 2-0 lead in the match. Carolina was held to just .135 hitting percentage and posted only nine kills in game two. Alabama’s defense was key as they recorded 22 digs to South Carolina’s 13.
In game three, South Carolina attempted several rallies but fell short as the Tide posted a 30-23 win for the 3-0 match win. Alabama maintained strong defense as they answered everything Carolina threw their way. The Gamecocks posted only 12 kills to Alabama’s 21.
South Carolina is now 4-6 in first round matches at the SEC Tournament. Next up for the Gamecocks will be the NCAA Tournament, which begins Dec. 6. The tournament field will be announced Dec. 1.
-USC-
