Bama player changes number to honor brother

Prior to Alabama's preseason scrimmage against Mississippi State on Saturday, the Tide announced a number change for junior Abby Lutzenkirchen. She will wear No. 43 this season instead of No. 33, in honor of her late brother, Philip.

Philip Lutzenkirchen was a football player at rival Auburn, where he set the school mark for most touchdown catches by a tight end, including the score that capped off the Tigers' memorable comeback win at Alabama in 2010. He died in a car accident in June.

Abby is a defender for the Crimson Tide, where she has started all 37 matches of her career. She led the team in minutes played last season. Alabama will start its season Aug. 22 at home against Kennesaw State.

Related:
• Philip Lutzenkirchen killed in car accident

Number change alert: We've learned that Abby Lutzenkirchen will switch numbers from 33 to 43, in memory of her brother, Philip. #Lutz43 #RTR

— Alabama Soccer (@AlabamaSoccer) August 16, 2014