Nov. 26, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB volleyball team will close its regular season this weekend with a pair of home matches at Bartow Arena.

UAB will host Big East foe Cincinnati Friday at 7 p.m. CT, and MEAC opponent Florida A&M visits Birmingham Saturday for a 3 p.m. CT first serve. The Blazers are looking to put the finishing touches on their postseason resume prior to Sunday's NCAA Volleyball Championship Selection Show.

Despite a 3-2 loss Sunday to Tulane in the finals of the Conference USA Volleyball Championship, UAB enters this weekend with an overall record of 25-6 and wins in 19 of its past 22 matches.

Cincinnati also enters Friday's match at 25-6. The Bearcats were regular season co-champions in the Big East but lost to Pittsburgh last week in the quarterfinals of their league tournament.

UAB has faced the former C-USA member 19 times in volleyball with Cincinnati owning a 13-6 advantage in the all-time series. The teams have not met since a 3-0 Bearcat win in 2004.

Florida A&M is coming off its eighth consecutive MEAC Championship, after defeating Maryland Eastern Shore Sunday in the league's title match. The Rattlers are 14-11 overall.

UAB and Florida A&M have met only once previously with the Blazers earning a 3-0 win in the 1996 season.

At both matches this weekend, UAB will be conducting the Green & Gold Santa Toy Drive. Fans will receive free admission with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy. All donations will benefit Toys for Tots.

Friday also marks UAB Spirit Appreciation Day. All fans in UAB apparel at Friday's match will receive $2 off general admission.