LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team clinched its first Gulf South Conference Tournament bid since 2001 with a 3-0 sweep of in-state foe University of Alabama at Huntsville on Thursday night at Pruitt Hall.

The Tigers join West Florida and North Alabama, who have already earned spots in the eight-team tournament from the Eastern Division.  The top four teams from each division advance to the post season event that will be hosted by the western division winner.

UWA opened with a 30-19 win in the opening game to set the pace for the rest of the evening.  The Red and White took command of the match in the second game with a 30-26 victory.  The Tigers cruised to a match-clinching 30-19 win to secure their 24^th win on the season and seven in league competition.

“One of our goals this season was to have a winning season and we accomplished that,” said head coach Ron Arenz.  “The other goal was to make the conference tournament, so tonight was a great night for our program. “Now that we are in the tournament, we want to win the tournament.”

The Red and White were led by senior Rafaella Maranhao with 12 kills in the contest.  She also posted eight digs and was credited with two blocks.  Junior Allison Nail carded eight kills and eight digs.  The Cullman, Ala.-native finished with a team-high three blocks.  Sophomore Giuliana De Francesco recorded 34 assists along with a team-best nine digs. 

The Lady Chargers were led by Amanda Smith with eight kills.  Whitney Corder registered a match-high 12 digs.

UWA returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 20, traveling to Montgomery, Ala. to face Huntingdon College at 2 p.m.  The Tigers will close out the 2007 home slate on Friday, Oct. 26 when West Georgia visits Pruitt Hall.  The match will be senior night, honoring UWA’s two seniors – Rafaella Maranhao and Taylor Borunda.