Samford Volleyball Honors Players In Post-Season Banquet

--- Dempski, Gardner, Gay receive team awards ---

Dec. 12, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball held is post-season banquet Sunday, Dec. 10 at McCormick and Schmidt Seafood Restaurants. Awards, voted on by the players, were presented to players who made outstanding contributions to the team this season.

Sophomore defensive specialist Courtney Gay was named Most Valuable Player for the Samford volleyball team. Gay averaged 5.9 assists per game and 2.7 digs per game during the 2006 campaign. She is currently ranked ninth on the Samford career assists record with 606 assists in her two years as a Bulldog. Gay had 15 double-figure-digs matches and 17 double-figure-assists matches during 2006, while garnering a career high 55 assists at Austin Peay on Sept. 22. She also ranks ninth in the OVC in assists with 9.75/gm.

“Courtney Gay stepped into big shoes when Jackie went down with a knee injury and did a tremendous job of running the team,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban. “She gained so much confidence this year and I think her teammates acknowledge that with the MVP award.”

The Bulldogs named defensive specialist Sarah Gardner the Most Improved Player for the 2006 season. Gardner saw her first collegiate volleyball action this year as a red-shirt freshman. She averaged 3.9 digs per game this season, and had 20 double-figure-digs matches as well. She posted a career high 29 digs at South Alabama Sept. 9, just eight shy of a single-match record. Gardner is currently ranked second in single-season digs as she grabbed 412 in 2006, and she in a three-way tie for 10th place in the single season record for assists with 55.

“Sarah Gardner played a variety of roles (OH, DS, L) this year for this team,” Durban said. “The one constant was she continually worked to improve her skills. I think that you could definitely see her get more comfortable in the Libero role as the year progressed.”

Junior middle blocker Angela Dempski was presented with the Bulldog Sprit Award.

“The Bulldog Spirit Award is very special because it recognizes the player who goes the extra effort every day in all aspects of the game (student, practice, games, conditioning, weights) and is willing to push her teammates at the same time,” Durban said. “Angela Dempski worked hard all summer and was able to continue it through the fall to earn this award.”

Dempski averaged 1.2 kpg and posted 14 block solos and 51 block assists on the year. She is currently eighth on the Samford career block assists list with 199.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Runner Competes In NCAA Cross Country Championships

--- Herring tries for national title ---

Nov. 20, 2006

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. ---- Samford University cross country runner Katherine Herring competed in the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships Monday. Herring placed 248th in the competition, running the 6K course in 24:29. She was one of 36 of over 250 runners that were the only representatives in the competition for their schools.

The Bulldog runner placed 21st in the NCAA South Regional on Nov. 11, in Knoxville, Tenn., to earn her a spot in the National Championship race. She ran the 6K regional race in 22:05.04, making her the only Bulldog to land in the top 25.

Herring was named the Ohio Valley Conference Female Athlete of the Year, while also taking individual conference title at the OVC Cross Country Championships on Oct. 28, in Clarksville, Tenn. She was also named the OVC Runner of the Week three times during the season.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS***

Bulldog Runner To Participate In NCAA Cross Country National Championship

--- Herring qualifies to compete for national title ---

Nov. 13, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford cross country runner Katherine Herring has been selected to compete in the NCAA Cross Country National Championship hosted by Indiana State University. After placing in the top 25 at the NCAA South Regional in Knoxville, Tenn., Herring qualified Sunday for a spot to run for the national title on Monday, Nov. 20.

Herring placed 21st in the NCAA South Regional, making her the top runner for the Bulldogs on the day. She ran the 6K race in 22:05.04, being the only Bulldog runner to land in the top 25.

“Katherine Herring has worked extremely hard to get to this level,” Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. “She was very disciplined and dedicated in her summer training. She knew this was her last year of running collegiate cross country and she wanted it to be a phenomenal year – it was. She was named conference “runner of the week” three times. This outstanding accomplishment reflects Katherine’s attitude. She will do whatever it takes to achieve success. She is an awesome young lady. It has been a great pleasure to work with her.”

Indiana State University will host the 2006 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships, November 20, at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course located at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, Terre Haute, Indiana. The women’s race will begin at noon Eastern time followed by the men’s race at 1:15 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Runner Lands In Top 25 At NCAA South Regional

--- Katherine Herring possible qualifier for national championships ---

Nov. 11, 2006

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ---- Samford cross country runner Katherine Herring finished 21st in the NCAA South Regional hosted by the University of Tennessee Saturday at the Lambert Acres Golf Club in Knoxville, Tenn. Herring, who ran the 6K course in 22:05.4, will find out Sunday if she qualifies to run in the NCAA National Championship Competition, Monday, Oct. 20, hosted by Indiana State University.

“Katherine (Herring) ran very well for us today,” Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. “We are very excited about her chances of making it to nationals and I’m very pleased with her success this year.”

Samford had six women and seven men competing in Saturday’s race. Joining Katherine Herring in the top 100 runners was Robyn DeBenedet at 90th, running 24:16.5. Katie Almand followed behind in 112th with a time of 25:07.6, and Lauren Pilcher came in at 117th with a time of 25:14.4. Rounding out the Samford women was Jessica Van Ausdall in 128th place, running 25:39.2. Bulldog runner Britney Almaguer was plagued with back spasms in the middle of the race and was forced to drop out.

Leading the Samford men was Drew Anderwald, who placed 58th, running the 10K course in 33:31.6. Cameron Bean and Bo Brawner came in second and third respectively for the Bulldogs, finishing 79th and 80th overall with times of 34:18.3 and 34:18.7. Michael Hanson, who ran 35:00.2, came in at 108th, and Chas Keithan finished at 129th with a time of 36:13.6.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Honors Senior In Final Match Of Season

--- Bulldogs can’t get past Panthers ---

Nov. 11, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team closed out the 2006 campaign Saturday as they honored senior Callaway Logan and took on the Panthers of Eastern Illinois. Samford fell to Eastern Illinois in a close five-game match as the Panthers took three out of five from the Bulldogs.

Samford (6-24, 1-15 OVC) dominated the first two games. The Bulldogs came out hard in the first game, taking an early six point lead with kills by middle blockers Angela Dempski and Jen Powers and outside hitter Sara Sears. Outside hitter Katie Luckman added a service ace. Eastern Illinois (8-19, 3-13 OVC) tried to close the gap several times, but was only able to get within three points. Samford would extend the lead out to nine and go on to win, 30-21.

Game two was almost a replay of game one, but it was Eastern Illinois that would take the early lead. Samford would not let them have it for long, as the game was tied on an EIU error and the Bulldogs took over with a kill by right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr. The Bulldogs lead by as much as 12 at one point, and eventually took game two, 30-21.

After the break, Eastern Illinois regrouped and came out with a ready to play. The Panthers jumped out with the lead, putting the first three points on the board. However, Samford answered back to tied the game on a service ace by defensive specialist Sarah Gardner. Eastern Illinois would not give up the lead, putting five more points on the board before Samford tied it again and took the lead. Three straight kills by Sears put the Bulldogs on top, along with a kill by Dempski to take the two-point lead. The Panthers kept the game close never letting the Bulldogs get ahead by more the three. With the score tied at 29, Samford served for match point, but two EIU kills and a service ace would put the Panthers back in the match with a 31-29 win.

After the game three win, the momentum shifted in favor of the Panthers. Eastern Illinois came out with the early six-point lead and never looked back. Samford was able to trim the EIU lead to five several times on kills by Sears and outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe, but the Panthers would push the lead out to 12 and go on to win, 30-18.

In the fifth and final game, the Panthers went on a 8-1 run to take the early seven-point lead. Samford could not keep up with Eastern Illinois, and the Panthers would take the match in the fifth game with a score of 15-7.

“Today, especially in games one and two, I felt like the team did a nice job,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We competed hard today. What we talked to the team about after the match was over was that we have to remember this match as a starting point for our spring, and be able to change those little things and listen and do one little thing differently every time we are out there. That will give us the opportunity to win the match, and then next year, when we do have the full compliment of players to be able to do that.”

Sears led the Bulldogs, matching her career-high kills record with 25 kills. She also added two service aces and 13 digs, while tallying 27 points for Samford. Trimpe followed right behind grabbing a double-double with 12 kills and a team high 18 digs. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay tagged a career-high 43 assists, while adding 12 digs to the Bulldogs stats. Two more Bulldogs joined the double-digits-digs club, as Gardner posted 15 digs and Luckman nabbed 12. Stangohr led Samford in blocks with two block solos and 2 block assists. Dempski added three blocks to the teams eight on the day.

“Sara Sears played well today,” said Durban. “That’s what we’ve been waiting for all year. It’s been great to see Sara progressing this last month. This season I really have felt like she is really starting to get it. That’s really good to see coming from a sophomore going into her junior year. We are hoping that that will continue, and if that happens, our future is very bright for next year.”

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Runners To Compete In NCAA South Regionals

--- Bulldog men and women compete for national title ---

Nov. 10, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Members of the Samford men’s and women’s cross country teams will head to Knoxville, Tenn., this weekend to compete in the NCAA Cross Country South Regional hosted by the University of Tennessee. Seven Bulldog men and five Bulldog women will run for a chance at a national title.

Leading the Samford women on Saturday will be OVC Female Athlete of the Year Katherine Herring.

“Katherine has had an awesome year,” Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. “She was selected conference runner of the week three times during the regular season. She won the conference and was selected as the Female Athlete of the Year.”

Joining Herring will be All-OVC first team member Britney Almaguer, and All-OVC second team member Robyn DeBenedet. Also running for the Samford women are Katie Almand and Lauren Pilcher.

“This is rebuilding year for our women,” said McWaters, “as everyone but Katherine will return next year. We have also been decimated by an unusual number of injuries. This will be our first race of the season over 6,000 meters. Our other races have been over 5,000 meters. We hope to break into the top 10 at Regionals.”

Competing for the men are All-OVC second team honorees Cameron Bean and Drew Anderwald. Joining them will be Michael Hanson, Bo Brawner, and three freshman, Blaise Carie, Chas Keithan, and Patrick Ollinger.

“This is a very young team with no seniors,” said McWaters. “For our three freshmen – Blaise (Carie), Chas (Keithan), and Patrick (Ollinger) – this will be their first time to ever run 10,000 meters. All of our other races have been 8,000 meters. The addition of 1¼ miles is extremely challenging.

Our men are currently ranked ninth in the South Region. We hope to run well enough in Knoxville to improve on that ranking.”

Throughout the year the men have run 8K and the women have run 5K. The South Region course will consist of a 10K trail for the men and a 6K trail for the women.

“The South Regional course is extremely hilly and challenging,” said McWaters. “It will not produce fast times. Our team will have to show patience, but at the same time, they must run aggressively. I feel that both teams will perform well.”

Lambert Acres Golf Club will serve as the host course for the NCAA South Regional. The women will run first, scheduled for a 10 a.m. ET start. The men will follow, starting at 11 a.m. ET. For results, check www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Falls To Southeast Missouri

--- Bulldogs can’t keep the Redhawks from tournament ---

Nov. 10, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team took on the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri Friday night in hopes to spoil the Redhawks’ chances of getting into the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. The Samford effort failed as Southeast Missouri overtook the Bulldogs in three straight games.

Samford and Southeast Missouri came out ready to play. Each team had much to gain and lose with the outcome of this match. Samford was looking to break the eight-match skid it has been on since its last home victory over Austin Peay, while also hoping to prevent the Redhawks from getting any closer to the OVC Tournament. With a win tonight, Southeast Missouri moved one step closer to getting an OVC Tournament berth, but with a loss, that hope would be lost.

The Redhawk effort would be enough to take that step, as they defeated Samford 30-21, 30-25, and 30-22. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs pulled together and played an incredible game. Junior middle blocker Angela Dempski, sophomore middle blocker Jen Powers, and sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears stepped up for big for the Bulldogs in their last evening home match of the 2006 season.

“I thought Angela Dempski did a very good job tonight,” said Samford head coach Michelle Durban. “We worked on blocking this week in practice and she really implemented what we were talking about, in terms of taking what we were doing in practice to the match tonight. I think she did a nice job of controlling the net for us.

I think Jen (Powers) did a great job of hitting high arms swings. She did a phenomenal job at practice this week and was able to translate it to the match. I think, overall, Sara Sears played an all-around good game, and that was good to see, especially with this being the last weekend of play.”

Samford will conclude the season Saturday at 2 p.m., as it takes on the Panthers of Eastern Illinois. This will be the final game for the Bulldogs in Seibert Hall and it will also be Senior Day. Samford will say goodbye to its only senior, outside hitter/defensive specialist Callaway Logan, as they honor her for her accomplishments and thank her for her hard work and dedication.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Wraps Up Season Honoring Only Senior

--- Bulldogs take on Southeast Missouri, Eastern Illinois in final home matches ---

Nov. 9, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will conclude its 2006 campaign Friday and Saturday with its final matches of the regular season, taking on Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois. The Bulldogs will also honor their only senior, defensive specialist Callaway Logan.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play in front of our home crowd one more weekend this year,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We are looking to send Callaway (Logan) out on a positive note.”

Logan, a native of Louisville, Ky., garnered her first career kill on Sept. 6, 2003 against Virginia Commonwealth, the same match in which she captured a career high 27 digs while only a freshman. As a sophomore, Callaway recorded her highest hitting percentage against West Coast powerhouse UCLA, hitting .593. In the same year, she had seven double-figure kill matches and 11 double-figure digs matches.

Logan worked her way to three double-doubles, with her first coming against Chattanooga at 12 kills and 19 digs. In her junior season, Callaway lead the Bulldogs in digs with 396, and recorded Samford’s third highest single season total. She was also named to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2004 and 2005.

“Callaway has worked very hard to make this program better while she has been here,” said Durban. “She is a great example of what a student-athlete should strive to be. It is unfortunate that she was unable to finish her senior year on the court, but has still added many things to this program over the last four years.”

Southeast Missouri enters this weekend one game out of conference tournament contention. The Redhawks currently sit at seventh place in the Ohio Valley Conference; the top six teams make it to the tournament. Southeast Missouri needs to win its final matches against Samford and Jacksonville State to be eligible for tournament play. Samford hopes to defeat Southeast Missouri Friday night, keeping the Redhawks out of the tournament and breaking the eight-match skid the Bulldogs have been on.

When the Bulldogs and Redhawks met earlier this season, it was a four-game match. Southeast Missouri defeated Samford, 3-1.

“SEMO is fighting to get into the OVC tourney right now so this is a big weekend for them so we need to come out and play well from the beginning,” said Durban. “We went four with them last time and hope to have another good match.”

Eastern Illinois comes off a winless week as they fell to Southeast Missouri and Tennessee Tech. Despite the losses, the Panthers had put on an amazing defensive performance, tallying 102 versus Southeast Missouri, marking the sixth time this season they have exceeded the century mark in a match. The Panthers are led my junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Eliza Zwettler, last week’s offensive player of the week. Zwettler tallied 39 digs last week, including a career-high 29 digs in the loss at Southeast Missouri.

This season’s first meeting between these two teams was a three-game match in which Eastern Illinois snapped a 13-match loss streak. Samford hopes to even the series with a win in its last match of the season in front of a home crowd.

“EIU did a nice job against us last time,” said Durban. “We hope to turn the tables on them this time, as this will be both teams’ last match of the year.”

Match play against Southeast Missouri will begin Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday, Bulldogs will honor senior Callaway Logan before the first serve, which will be at 2 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Golf Finishes Fall With Best Tournament Showing

--- Reed Davis walks with second place; Bulldogs tie for fourth ---

Nov. 5, 2006

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. ---- The Samford University men’s golf team had their best tournament round of the fall season Sunday in the Western Carolina Intercollegiate held at the Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. The Bulldogs climbed two spots from yesterday to take fourth place, with Reed Davis leading the pack.

“This is the best round of golf, as well as the best tournament, we have played all fall,” Samford head coach Woodie Eubanks said. “We really need this round today. It was good finish to a tough fall season, and I’m really proud of our guys.”

Samford improved four strokes in the last round, shooting a combined 289 to finish with a two-day total of 592. Individually, Reed Davis jumped 12 spots to second place with an amazing last round. Davis shot an impressive 69 on the day, bring his total to 143.

Andrew Villarreal moved up a spot to 19th place, while Bradley Pate dropped right on the edge of the top 20 to 21st place. Pate and Villarreal were tied for 20th place at the end of play Saturday. Villarreal improved two shots, shooting 73, while Pate improved one shot, shooting 74.

Rounding out the Bulldog team were Jeremy Cox and John Turnipseed. Cox moved up seven spot to finish in a tie for 40th place, shooting 82-73 = 155, and Turnipseed improved three spots landing at 54th place, shooting a steady 79 in both rounds.

“I was very impressed with how our guys played today,” said Eubanks. “I was very pleased, especially with Reed (Davis) and Bradley (Pate). Those guys have been very consistent for us this fall. I think we are ready for the spring so we can see what we can do in the conference.”

Samford tied with host team Western Carolina, while Wofford took the top spot. Winthrop jumped up two spots to take the second place spot, and Longwood University climbed three spots to fourth place.

The Bulldogs will kick off the spring campaign at the end of February. They will compete in the West Florida Tournament February 26-27.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Golf At The Middle Of The Pack At WCU Intercollegiate

--- Bulldogs in sixth place after two rounds of tournament ---

Nov. 4, 2006

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. ---- The Samford men’s golf team sits at sixth place after two rounds in the first day of the Western Carolina Intercollegiate held at the Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. This is the last tournament for the Bulldogs’ fall season.

Samford shot 15 over with a combined 303 Saturday, while still landing three Bulldogs in the top 20. Reed Davis is tied at 14th place shooting two over with a first day total of 74, 35 in the first round and 39 in the second. Bradley Pate and Andrew Villarreal are tied at 20th, shooting 75. Pate shot 35 in round one and 40 in round two, while Villerreal shot 38 and 37. In a tie at 47th is John Turnipseed, shooting 38-41 = 79, and rounding out the Samford team is Jeremy Cox in a tie for 54th, shooting 37-45 = 82.

Leading the field is host team Western Carolina, followed by Wofford and Ohio Valley Conference opponent Tennessee Tech tied at second. Winthrop sits at fourth, while High Point holds onto the fifth place spot.

Samford will wrap up play in the Western Carolina Intercollegiate, as well as the fall season, Sunday morning. For recap of the events from day two go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Goes Winless On The Road

--- Bulldogs fall to Tennessee-Martin, 3-0, in last road match ---

Nov. 4, 2006

MARTIN, Tenn. ---- The Samford volleyball team will end the season without a win on the road. The Bulldogs fell in their last road match at UT Martin Saturday, 3-0. Samford falls to 6-22 overall, 1-13 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Samford led UT Martin (17-12, 6-8 OVC) early in the first game with a service ace by defensive specialist Sarah Gardner and kills by middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski, outside hitter Sara Sears, and right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr. The Skyhawks, however, would not let the Bulldogs get too far ahead as the tied the score several times and eventually took the lead. UT Martin went on a 7-0 run to take the six point lead, and soon extended that lead to 16, winning by a score of 30-14.

Freshman outside hitter Katie Luckman put the Bulldogs on the board first in game two with a game opening service ace. UT Martin would answer back, though, and take control of the game. Samford kept it close before the Skyhawks took a nine point lead. The Bulldogs tried to close that gap, but UT Martin kept the lead, winning 30-21.

The Skyhawks had the lead throughout game three. Samford played them close until mid-game, when UT Martin extended at two point lead out to nine points. The Bulldogs would not be able to catch up and the Skyhawks would win, 30-21.

Outside hitters Alyssa Trimpe and Sara Sears led the Bulldogs will seven kills each, while Sosnowski and Stangohr both posted for blocks on the day. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay tallied 25 assists, and Gardner grabbed nine digs, followed by Trimpe and Sears with eight digs each.

Samford will return home for its season finale at home. The Bulldogs will take on OVC opponents Southeast Missouri Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m., and Eastern Illinois Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2:00 p.m. On Saturday, Samford will honor its only senior Bulldog, Callaway Logan.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Golf To Finish Fall Play In Western Carolina Tournament

--- Bulldogs look to end the fall campaign on a good note ---

Nov. 3, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University men’s golf team will wrap up its fall campaign as it competes in the Western Carolina University Intercollegiate on Saturday and Sunday. The tournament will be hosted at the Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C.

The Bulldogs look to end the fall campaign on a good note as they try to repeat their incredible performance from two weeks ago in the Austin Peay Tournament. The Samford men had their best tournament of the fall season as they finished fifth overall, while Bradley Pate took third place.

Samford comes off a hometown tournament at Birmingham-Southern where it took seventh place in the field. Reed Davis and Bradley Pate finished in the top 20, taking sixth and 14th, respectively.

For a recap of events from the tournament, go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Fall To Murray On The Road

--- Bulldogs wrap up final road trip Saturday against UT Martin ---

Nov. 3, 2006

MURRAY, Ky. ---- The Samford volleyball team dropped its first match of its last road trip Friday night to the Racers of Murray State. The Bulldogs fell to the Racers in three straight games, making this their third straight loss to an opponent in three games.

Samford (6-21, 1-12 OVC) played Murray State (17-6, 9-4 OVC) close in the first game keeping the score tied at the first three points on kills by Katie Luckman, Jen Powers, and Sara Sears. The Bulldogs finally took the lead on a kill by sophomore middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski, and then a Racer error extended the Samford lead to two (6-4). However, Murray State would come back to tie the score at eight and take over the game. The Bulldogs tried to keep the gap within two, but the Racers would drive it out to eight, and eventually thirteen. Murray State won game one, 30-17.

In game two, the Racers took the first point but Samford quickly caught up on a kill by outside hitter Sears and a bad set on Racer setter Cassie Chesney. Again, the Bulldogs tried to stay within two point of Murray State, but Racers would not let the gap widen. Murray State extended the lead to seven, then 12, and would go on the win the game, 30-14.

Murray State took the early lead in game three and took a quick nine point lead. The Bulldogs would then close the gap to six on a kill by defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay and back-to-back kills by Sears. However, the Racers would not give up control of the game, going on to win the game and match, 30-22.

Leading the Bulldogs was Gay, posting 21 assists and 18 digs. Sears added nine digs, while Luckman had 14 digs and defensive specialist Sara Gardner had 11 digs. The Bulldogs out-blocked the Racers, 5-3.

Samford will take on the Skyhawks of Tennessee-Martin in Martin, Tenn., tomorrow at 2 p.m. This will cap off the final road trip for the Bulldogs. They will then return home to face Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Prepares For Road Finale

--- Bulldogs take on Murray State and Tennessee-Martin on final road trip ---

Nov. 2, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will play its last two road matches of the season this Friday and Saturday at Murray State and Tennessee-Martin. This will be the first meeting of these teams since last season.

Samford last met the Racers of Murray State and the Skyhawks of UT Martin a year ago in Seibert Hall on the Samford campus. The Bulldogs took both opponents to five games, and eventually fell, 3-2, to the Racers. However, the Bulldogs would come out victorious over the Skyhawks.

Murray state leads the series with Samford, 2-1. The Bulldogs are looking to even the series this Friday. The Skyhawks lead the series by five games (7-2), and Samford hopes to close that gap Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs are coming of a winless week at home as they dropped three-game matches to Jacksonville State and Tennessee Tech. Murray State has lost its last three contests, dropping two of those last week to Eastern Kentucky (3-1) and Morehead State (3-0). UT Martin fell last week to Lipscomb (3-2), Morehead State (3-1), and Eastern Kentucky (3-0). The Skyhawks have now lost their last five games.

Match play with the Racers is set for 7 p.m. on Friday night, and then the Bulldogs will take on the Skyhawks at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf Ends Fall Play On A Good Note

--- Bulldogs improve one spot to ninth place in the Troy Intercollegiate ---

Oct. 31, 2006

TROY, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team jumped up one spot from Monday to ninth in the final day of the Troy Women’s Intercollegiate. The Bulldogs improved seven strokes in the second round, bring their total score to 318-311 = 616.

Katelyn Stanier was the top player for the Bulldogs again in this tournament. Stanier finished at 32nd place, shooting 76-80 = 156. Heather Arnold improved to 37th place from her first round spot at 46th by shooting 77 in the second round, bring her total to 157. Courtney Warr (83-76 = 159) jumped 13 places to 48th place, improving seven strokes from Monday.

Rounding out the Samford team were Maria Troche (84-78 = 162) at 55th place, and Kellie O’Connell (79-84 = 163) at 61st place. Playing as an individual was Stephanie Larson who finished 66th, shooting 80-86 = 166.

“I challenged the team last night to go out and perform better today and that’s what they did,” Samford head coach Ian Thompson said. “We ended the semester on a decent note. Our stroke average is already 10 strokes better than last year, and both freshmen have each shot an individual round under par. We are on track to have a good spring campaign.”

Samford take a break until February when they begin to prepare for the spring season.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Golf Finish Seventh In Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Reed Davis jumps eight spots to tie for sixth place ---

Oct. 31, 2006

McCALLA, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s golf team finished in a tie for seventh place with the University of Evansville Tuesday after the final round of the Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown hosted by Birmingham-Southern College at the Bent Brook Golf Course in McCalla, Ala.

The Samford men’s first team finished the two-day event with a combined score of 861, shooting 287 on the day. The second team finished in a tie for 15th place with Savannah State, shooting a combined 907, and 309 on the day.

Samford’s Reed Davis stayed among the top 20 players as he tied for sixth place, having his best round of the tournament Tuesday as he shot 68 to bring his total score to 209. Bradley Pate jumped 16 spots to replace teammate John Turnipseed for the second Bulldog spot in the top 20. Pate, shooting a combined 212, went from 30th on Monday to 14th on Tuesday after shooting 68 in the third round, giving him his best round of the tournament. Turnipseed fell from 19th to 43rd after shooting 77 in the third round. His final scores were 73-69-77 = 219. Jeremy Cox (77-73-74 = 224) landed at 59th, and Andrew Villerreal (74-78-78 = 230) finished in 79th place.

Taylor Dorner led the way for the second Samford team. Dorner finished at 63rd place, shooting 78 on the day with a total of 225. David Hewellege (76-74-78 = 228) finished in 73rd, Clint Calvert (78-75-78 = 231) at 80th, Bobby Baird (77-80-75 = 232) at 83rd, and Christopher Johnston (75-74-85 = 234) at 86th.

Ohio Valley Conference opponent Murray State took first place in the tournament, followed by Southern Illinois, Birmingham-Southern, and Berry College. Rounding out the top five was Wofford College. Tennessee Tech finished in sixth place, only seven strokes ahead of Samford.

The Bulldogs will wrap up their fall campaign this weekend, Nov. 4 and 5, as they travel to Hendersonville, N.C., to participate in the Western Carolina Intercollegiate hosted by Western Carolina University at the Etowah Valley Country Club.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf Sits At 10th After One Day Of Play

--- Bulldogs wrapping up fall play at Troy Women’s Intercollegiate ---

Oct. 30, 2006

TROY, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team sits at 10th place out of 15 teams after round one of the second annual Troy University Women’s Intercollegiate Monday. The tournament is being held at the Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, Ala.

“It was a great day to play golf,” Samford head coach Ian Thompson said. “It was a beautiful, sunny day in Montgomery.”

Samford shot a combined 310 as a team in the first round of the tournament. South Alabama leads the field followed by Louisiana-Monroe, Austin Peay, Belmont, and Murray State rounding out the top five. Bulldogs golfer Katelyn Stanier is currently in a seven-way tie for 20th place, shooting 76 on the day.

“Katelyn had a good round today,” said Thompson. “She just struggled a little bit at the end. She was one over with three holes left and just lost it on the last hole. She still did well. If everyone had shot 76, we would be in better shape. We should have been in the low 300s. We just didn’t play well. Tomorrow, we need to go out and play better and hopefully we can get up to the top five.”

Also playing for the Bulldogs is Kellie O’Connell, who is in a tie for 39th place after the first day, shooting 79. Heather Arnold shot 80 to put her in a tie with Stephanie Larson, who is playing as an individual for Samford. Courtney Warr shot 83 to put her in a tie for 61st, while Maria Troche shot 84 to place her in a tie for 63rd.

The Bulldog women will resume play Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. This will conclude competition in the Troy Women’s Intercollegiate as well as Samford’s fall campaign.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Golf In Top Ten At Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Bulldogs sit at seventh place after first round in Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown ---

Oct. 30, 2006

McCALLA, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s golf team finished in seventh place Monday after two rounds of golf in the Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown hosted by Birmingham-Southern College. The tournament is being held at the Bent Brook Golf Course in McCalla, Ala.

The Samford men shot a combined score of 574, with 291 in the first round and 283 in the second round. The Bulldogs are only 12 shots shy of being one of the top five teams.

Samford landed two players in the top 20. Reed Davis is tied for 14th place, shooting one under at 72 -69 = 141. John Turnipseed is tied at 19th place, shooting par with scores of 73-69 = 142. Bradley Pate shot a 72 in both rounds to bring him to at tie at 30th with a total score of 144, and rounding out the Bulldog team is Jeremy Cox at 64th (77-73 = 150) and Andrew Villarreal at 72nd (74-78 = 152).

Samford also fielded a second team that sits at 16th place after day one. Taylor Dorner leads that team tied at 53rd place (74-73 = 147) followed by Christopher Johnson at 59th (75-74 =149), David Hewellege at 64th (76-74 = 150), Clint Calvert at 75th (78-75 = 153), and Bobby Baird at 87th (77-80 = 157).

The final round of the Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown is scheduled for an 8 a.m. shotgun start on Tuesday.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Women’s Tennis Concludes Fall Play On A Good Note

--- Bulldogs dominate Birmingham-Southern Tournament ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s tennis team wrapped up its fall campaign with an outstanding performance in the Birmingham-Southern Tournament this weekend. Match play was delayed a day due to rain on Friday, but the Bulldogs enjoyed pleasant weather conditions Saturday and Sunday as they resumed play.

The Samford women defeated Belmont, 5-2, Saturday, and Birmingham-Southern, 4-0, Sunday.

“I am extremely pleased with our performance this weekend,” Samford head coach Terri Sisk said. “In my five years of coaching here at Samford, this is the best fall that we have had.

There were a lot of quality teams in this tournament,” said Sisk, “especially Belmont. That was an amazing win for us.”

The Bulldogs will kick off their spring campaign Feb. 24, as they travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia State.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Tennis Wraps Up Fall Play With Success In BSC Tournament

--- Bulldogs go 12-2 on the weekend in hometown tournament ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s tennis team brought a close to the fall campaign this weekend with a great performance in the Birmingham-Southern Tournament. The Bulldog men went defeated Jacksonville State, 5-2, and Birmingham-Southern, 7-0, Saturday.

Against Jacksonville State, Bulldog duo Renan Silveira and Sam Huffman defeated Duke/Robinson, 8-3. Hank Grant and Stuart Misner beat Unkenholz/Amores, 8-3, while Manuel Miletic and Brian Dushock beat Vaccarin/Olmedo, 8-2.

In singles, Misner defeated Vaccarin (6-1, 6-3), Grant beat Duke (7-5, 6-3), Huffman won over Unkenholz (6-1, 6-0), and Bradley Weaver took down Olmedo (6-1, 6-3). Silveira fell to Roberson in two sets of 7-5, and Miletic lost to Amores in three sets (6-2, 3-6, 10-8).

Against Birmingham-Southern, Misner/Grant tagged an 8-1 win over Locandro/Mabry, and Weaver/Thomas defeated Crockett/Freeman, 8-3. Huffman /Silveira fell to Walsh/Engler, 8-7.

In singles, Silveira defeated Engler (6-2, 6-1), Misner won over Walsh (6-1, 6-1), Grant beat Locandro (6-0, 7-6), Miletic took down Mabry (6-2, 6-1), Huffman beat Crockett (6-2, 6-0), and Dushock defeated Freeman (6-3, 6-2).

The Samford men will begin the spring campaign as they travel to Orange Beach, Ala., to participate in the Orange Beach Tennis Classic, Jan. 3 – Jan. 6.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf To Compete In Troy Invitational

--- Bulldogs wrap up fall play with Troy Tournament ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team with conclude play for the fall campaign Monday and Tuesday as they compete in the second annual Troy Women’s Intercollegiate at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery.

A field of 15 teams will hit the par-72, 5,850-yard course Monday morning. New Orleans is the defending team champion, while Shauna McVeigh, now an assistant coach at Troy, won medalist honors at the inaugural event.

Joining Samford and host Troy will be Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Western Kentucky, Austin Peay, Belmont, Centenary, Jackson State, Jacksonville State, Murray State, Nicholls State, Northern Colorado, and Tennessee State.

Tournament play will consist of 18 holes each day, starting at 8 a.m. Results will be available immediately following play at www.troytrojans.com, while recap of the events will be posted at www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Golf To Play In Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Bulldogs look to top outstanding performance from last week ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s golf team take to the links of the Bent Brook Golf Course Monday as they participate in the Buffalo Rock Southern Showdown hosted by cross-town rival Birmingham-Southern.

The Bulldogs come off their best tournament play of the fall campaign as they took their first top five finish of the fall in the F&M Bank Intercollegiate last week hosted by Austin Peay. The Bulldogs finished in fifth place shooting a combined 880. Bradley Pate finished third for the Bulldogs, but was in first place after two rounds in the first day of the tournament.

For results and full recap of the Bulldogs’ standings in the tournament, go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Falls To Tennessee Tech

--- Bulldogs’ fight not enough to even the series ---

Oct. 27, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team ended its home stint Friday with a three-game loss to Tennessee Tech. The Bulldogs fall to 6-20 overall, 1-11 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Samford (6-20, 1-11 OVC) played Tennessee Tech (9-14, 6-5 OVC) close in the first game, with the score tied at every point until the Bulldogs took the lead on a service ace by outside hitter Sara Sears. Samford pushed the lead out to three, but after a Tennessee Tech timeout, the Golden Eagles came back to tie the game at 15 on a service ace by Libero Katie Kenline. The Golden Eagles went on a 15-5 run, and won game one, 30-20.

In game two, Tennessee Tech jumped out to an early four-point lead, before Samford got on the board on a kill by middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski. The Bulldogs fought to keep the lead tight, but the Golden Eagles drove out to 11. Samford charged back to bring the gap to three on kills by Sosnowski and a service ace by defensive specialist Sarah Gardner. Tennessee Tech would extend the lead once more to six, before the Bulldogs closed it back to four. The Golden Eagles, however, would take game two, 30-26.

In the third and final game, Samford and Tennessee Tech fought for the early lead. With the game tied at five, the Bulldogs pulled ahead on kills by outside hitters Alyssa Trimpe and Sara Sears. However, it would not take long for the Golden Eagles to tie up the game at eight and take over. TTU lead by three before Samford tied the game at 13 with a kill by Sosnowski and then again at 14 with a kill by Sears, but the Golden Eagles would not give up the lead. The Bulldogs fought hard to get ahead again, getting within one point of tieing TTU. However, Tennessee Tech would push the lead out to five, taking the game, 30-25.

Leading the Bulldogs tonight in hitting was Sosnowski with a .550 percentage, hitting .727 in the second game alone. She also contributed 12 kills and 13 points, while Sears posted led in both of those categories with 16 kills and 18 points. Middle blocker Angela Dempski hit .400, adding three block assists, and Gardner posted three service aces and nine digs. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay had 37 assists.

“I was very happy with the way Kirstein (Sosnowski) came out and played, and once Angela (Dempski) was put in, I felt like her energy gave us a spark,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We are still trying to get this young team to understand that everyone has to be involved and everyone has to have that same intensity.”

Next, the Bulldogs head out on the road for their last two road games of the season. Samford will take on Murray State Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m., and UT Martin Saturday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs will then return home for their home finale against Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Cross Country Looks To Defend OVC Crown Again

--- Bulldogs ready to capture third consecutive conference championship Saturday ---

Oct. 27, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University men’s and women’s cross country teams head to Clarksville, Tenn., to compete in the Ohio Valley Conference Championship, hosted by Austin Peay on Saturday morning. The women look to defend their 2005 title, while the men look to improve upon their fifth-place finish in 2005.

The 2005 women’s team set a high standard, defending their title with a repeat championship. The 2005 squad has put together an impressive season so far, as they look to make it three in a row. Samford has been led by three-time OVC Women’s Athlete of the Week Katherine Herring. Herring transferred to Samford in 2005 and made an immediate impact on the team. She has consistently been one of the top three runners during her two years at Samford. She looks for her first individual conference championship as she took second place last year.

In addition to Blankenship, junior Robyn DeBenedet looks to better her third place performance from last year’s meet. She also has been one of Samford’s top three runners on the women’s side this season, and received her second straight All-OVC honor after the season last year.

The men’s team looks to improve on their fifth-place finish in 2005. Like last year, the men field a somewhat young, but talented team. The top five performers on the men’s side consist of two juniors, two sophomores, and a freshman.

Both men’s and women’s squads expect tough competition, including three-time OVC Men’s Athlete of the Week, Jacksonville State’s Ryan McKay and two-time OVC Champion Jacob Korir of Eastern Kentucky. Eastern Illinois’s Dave Carlson, a three-time All-OVC performer also returns. EKU and EIU have captured the top-two spots for the past eight years.

The 2006 O’Reilly Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Championships kicks of at 10 a.m., with the women’s 5,000-meter race. The men will follow at 11 a.m., when they compete in the 8,000-meter race. The races will be held at the Southern Industry Redevelopment Company Course.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Tennis Competes In Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Bulldogs wrap up Fall competition with hometown play ---

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University men’s and women’s tennis teams will travel across town to play in the Birmingham-Southern Tournament on Friday and Saturday. This will be the last competition for each Bulldog teams this fall.

The Samford women are coming off great weekend at the Memphis Lady Tiger Invitational where they went 20-7 in the tournament. Bulldog pair Emily White and Sarah McKey shared the doubles crown with teammates Whitnie Warren and Anna Jackson as they met each other in the finals of the doubles bracket. White and Warren also split the singles title as they met in the finals of their bracket.

The Samford men come into this week’s competition after two weeks of rest. The last time the Bulldog men were on the court was in the University of South Carolina Fall Invitational. Bulldog duo Jason Thomas and Bradley Weaver, as well as fellow Bulldog Hank Grant reached the semifinal round of their respective brackets. They were the only Bulldogs left standing after two days of intense competition. The Samford men hope to better that performance in this weekend’s tournament at Birmingham-Southern.

For recaps of the Bulldogs’ play in the tournament, go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball To Play Host To Tennessee Tech

--- Bulldogs look to end four-game skid ---

Oct. 26, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will end its home stint Friday night as they play host to the Golden Eagles of Tennessee Tech. The Bulldogs hope to put an end their four-game losing streak.

Samford (6-19, 1-10 OVC) last met Tennessee Tech (8-14, 5-5 OVC) Sept. 30, in Cookeville, Tenn. The Bulldogs dropped the match, 1-3 (22-30, 30-22, 26-30, 18-30), to the Golden Eagles, giving them their fourth conference loss of the season. Samford hopes to turn things around Friday in front of a home crowd as it takes on Tennessee Tech.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 3-0 loss to Ohio Valley Conference leader Jacksonville State (17-4, 11-0 OVC) on Wednesday. The Golden Eagles come to Samford Friday off an upset win over OVC number two, Murray State.

Match play between the Bulldogs and the Golden Eagles will begin Friday at 7 p.m., in Seibert Hall.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Falls To Jacksonville State, 3-0

--- Bulldogs can’t take down No. 1 Gamecocks ---

Oct. 25, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team dropped its match against Ohio Valley Conference leader Jacksonville State Wednesday night in three games. The Bulldogs fall to 6-16 overall, 1-10 in the conference.

Samford fell behind early in the first game, but was able to tie the game before Jacksonville State increased the lead to 19. The Gamecocks would go on to win, 30-12.

Jacksonville State took control of game two from the very beginning, jumping out to an early six point lead. Samford could not catch up, and the Gamecocks would win, 30-10.

Samford came out tough in the third game after the break, taking the early lead. Although the Gamecocks tied it several times, the Bulldogs would not give up the lead until Jacksonville State took a timeout. The Gamecocks came out of the break to take the four point lead on a 5-1 run. Jacksonville State would take the game, 30-21.

Middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski led the Bulldogs with eight kills, hitting .353, while defensive specialist Sarah Gardner had 13 digs. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay posted 23 assists.

Samford continues its home stint Friday as they take on Tennessee Tech. Match play is set for 7 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Plays Host To Jacksonville State Wednesday

--- Bulldogs challenge Gamecocks to a rematch ---

Oct. 24, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will challenge Jacksonville State to a rematch Wednesday night as the play host to the Gamecocks in Seibert Hall. The Bulldogs hope to snap the four-match losing streak they are currently on.

Samford (6-18, 1-9 OVC) looks to even the series with Jacksonville State (16-4, 10-0 OVC). The Bulldogs lost 3-0 (27-30, 23-30, 22-30) to the Gamecocks on Sept. 27 when the Bulldogs traveled to Jacksonville, Ala.

Samford comes off a winless road weekend as they lost at Eastern Illinois (3-0) and Southeast Missouri (3-1). Despite the losses, Bulldogs freshman Alyssa Trimpe had back-to-back double-doubles this weekend, while while sophomore Kirstein Sosnowski hit .364 against Southeast Missouri. The Bulldogs have worked hard to prepare for Wednesday’s match.

“JSU is a very good team,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We need to be disciplined against them and play with intensity tomorrow night.”

Jacksonville State currently sits at the top of the Ohio Valley Conference standing, and comes off two three-game wins over Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois. The Gamecocks are on an 11-game win streak.

The Bulldogs and Gamecocks are set to face off at 7 p.m., in Seibert Hall.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men Show Improvement In F&M Bank Intercollegiate

--- Samford Women stay at sixth place to finish out Austin Peay Tournament ---

Oct. 24, 2006

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ---- The Samford University men’s golf team moved up a spot Tuesday to finish in a tie for fifth place with Morehead State in the final round of the F&M Bank Intercollegiate. The Samford women stayed in sixth place ahead of Ohio Valley Conference competitors Tennessee Tech (7th), Murray State (tied for 9th), and Tennessee State (14th).

After the final round of play at the Novadell course, the Samford men shot a combined score of 880, shooting 291 on the day.

Individually, Bradley Pate dropped two spots to third place with a combined score of 212 after shooting 75 in the final round. Pate led the field in first place after two rounds Monday. Reed Davis tied at 15th, one spot above yesterday, shooting 73 on the day and 217 over all. Jeremy Cox tied at 47th while shooting 77-78-71 = 226, and Andrew Villarreal shot 78-77-72 = 227 to put him in a tie for 52nd. Taylor Dorner came in at 85th, shooting 76-82-83 = 241.

“This was a great tournament for us,” Samford men’s head coach Woodie Eubanks said. “We showed a lot of improvement in this tournament, and we hope we can continue making progress.”

The Samford women shot a combined 665 in the last day at Clarksville Country Club, shooting 330 in the final round, five shots better than day one.

“We had a reasonable round,” Samford women’s head coach Ian Thompson said. “We had a chance to really move up, but we had a series of really difficult finishes through our round and we just kind of let it go. This course can do that to you – make a mistake into a big mistake – and we paid for that quite a bit.”

Heather Arnold moved up 17 spots to tie in 13th place. Arnold broke 80 in the last round, shooting 79, bringing her overall score to 164. Katelyn Stanier moved up two spots to a tie in 17th, shooting 82 (165), and Courtney Warr fell to 23rd with a final round score of 85 and an overall score of 167. Kellie O’Connell finished in a tie at 39th (87-84 = 171), and Maria Troche tied for 43rd shooting 85-87 = 172.

“The scores were high again,” said Thompson, “but we were on a very difficult golf course. We tried our best, but just couldn’t move up. We will head to the Troy Tournament next week, and try to get back in it.”

Next up for the Samford men is the Buffalo Rock Southern Showdown hosted by Birmingham-Southern. The tournament will be held at Bent Brook Golf Course in McCalla, Ala., Oct. 30-31. The Samford women will head Troy, Ala., to compete in the Troy University Women’s Intercollegiate.

**** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ****

Samford Men's Golf Fourth; Women Sixth In F&M Bank Intercollegiate

--- Bradley Pate sits at first after two rounds ---

Oct. 23, 2006

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ---- The Samford University men’s and women’s golf completed the first day of competition at the F&M Bank Intercollegiate, hosted by Ohio Valley Conference rival Austin Peay. Despite the cold, windy weather, the men’s team sits in a tie for sixth place with Cincinnati and UT Martin, while the women are in sixth.

After two rounds of play at the par 72 links at the Novadell course, the Samford men shot a combined score of 589, 17 over par, to tie for sixth on the day. The men shot a 290 in the first round, to put them at fourth, but dropped to sixth after shooting 299 in the second round. Troy University and Murray State University currently lead the field shooting 575.

“I saw a lot of promise in the first round today,” said Samford men’s head coach Woodie Eubanks. “This was the best tournament round we’ve played this year so far. We played outstanding considering the cold and windy weather conditions. We just need to whole team to come together tomorrow and play well and want it.”

Individually, the Bulldogs placed two in the top-20, with Bradley Pate sitting at the number one position. Pate shot 66 in the first round to put at the top of the field, and he stayed there after shooting a 71 in the second round. Reed Davis, shooting 144, is currently tied at 16th with Jake Brodhead of Troy, Michael Craft of Murray State, and Matt Gann of Morehead State.

The Samford women shot a combined 335 in the first round of the 36-hole tournament at the par-71 Clarksville Country Club, and are in good position to move up in the rankings, as only five strokes separates Samford from Austin Peay who sit at fourth. Currently, Butler University leads the tournament with a combined score of 322.

“It was a very difficult day to play golf,” said Samford women’s head coach Ian Thompson. “It was very windy and very cold. It was a struggle, but to have played like we did and still be within reasonable distance of the leaders is what we’ve got to take from today.”

For the women, Courtney Warr tied for 15th overall, after shooting 82 on the day. Katelyn Stanier followed right behind tied for 19th, shooting 83, and Maria Troche and Heather Arnold tied at 30th, each shooting 85. Kellie O’Connell shot 87 to put her at 39th place.

“We’ve got something to play for tomorrow and hopefully we will have an opportunity to move up and get near the lead,” said Thompson. “I’ve challenged the team to do that. Today was a tough day, and tomorrow will be tough again, but we’ve been playing well and hopefully we can produce a good number tomorrow.”

The Bulldogs will wrap up competition at the F&M Bank Intercollegiate Tuesday. The women’s team is set to tee off with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., while the men’s team will tee off in a 9 a.m. shotgun start.

**** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ****

Samford Men’s And Women’s Golf Head To Clarksville, Tenn.

--- Bulldogs to compete in F&M Bank Intercollegiate ---

Oct. 22, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University men’s and women’s golf teams head to Clarksville, Tenn., to compete in the F&M Bank Intercollegiate hosted by Ohio Valley Conference rival Austin Peay on Monday and Tuesday.

The men’s team will compete in the two-day 54-hole tournament at the par-72 Links at Novadell, playing two 18-hole rounds on Monday and one 18-hole round on Tuesday.

The men’s field will include 18 teams, including OVC rivals, Austin Peay (fielding two teams), Eastern Illinois, Morehead State, Murray State, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech and Tennessee-Martin. Additionally, Belmont, Cincinnati, Dayton, IPFW, IUPUI, Lipscomb, Troy, Western Illinois, and Wright State will be competing.

The women’s team will compete in a two-day 36-hole tournament at par-71 Clarksville Country Club, playing one 18-hole round on both Monday and Tuesday.

There will be 14 teams competing in the women’s tournament, including OVC rivals Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Murray State, Tennessee State and Tennessee Martin. Additionally Belmont, Butler, Dayton, Evansville, IPFW, IUPUI, Lipscomb, Wofford will compete alongside the Samford women.

The women’s team is set to tee off with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m., both days, while the men’s team will tee off in an 8 a.m., shotgun start on Monday and a 9 a.m., shotgun start on Tuesday.

**** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ****

Samford Women’s Tennis Dominates Lady Tiger Invitational

--- Three Bulldogs make it the finals of the Memphis Tournament ---

Oct. 21, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. ---- Three Samford women’s tennis pairs made it to the final rounds of the doubles draws in the last day of the Memphis Lady Tiger Invitational Saturday. This is the second straight tournament in which the Bulldogs have taken the doubles crown.

In this tournament, two Samford pairs would share the doubles crown as Emily White and Sarah McKey met up with fellow Bulldogs Anna Jackson and Whitnie Warren in the division one doubles finals. White/McKey made their way to finals by defeating Stephen F. Austin duo Harrison/Enica, 8-1, and Jackson/Warren solidified their spot in the finals by beating Campell’s McGahee/Bochenek, 8-2.

In division two doubles, Katie McMiller and Christie Baker lost to Dellacono/Guiterman of Southern Mississippi, 8-6, to get knocked out of the running for a spot in the finals.

In singles, Memphis’s Marjoria Ondeck defeated Katie McMiller, 6-1, 6-1, in the division one consolation finals. McMiller defeated Ball State’s Polina Askerko, 7-5, 6-2, to get to the finals.

White and Warren split the division two singles title as they both won their semifinal matches to make it to the finals. White defeated Angela McGahee of Murray State, 6-3, 6-1, and Warren beat Iva Stojancev of Campbell, 5-7, 6-2, 10-7.

Christie Baker made her way to the division four singles finals by knocking out Murray State’s Lynsey Bochenek, 6-2, 6-3. However, Baker would fall to Nina Surviladze, 6-2, 6-1, in the final match.

“Going 20-7 on the weekend showed how ready the girls are to compete in the spring,” Samford head coach Terri Sisk said. “They are very motivated and driven to be OVC’s best once again.”

The Samford women will join the Samford men next weekend, Oct. 27-28, as they play in the Birmingham-Southern Tournament. This will concluded fall play for both of Samford’s tennis teams.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Falls To Southeast Missouri

--- Bulldogs return home to prepare to host Jacksonville State ---

Oct. 21, 2006

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. ---- The Samford volleyball team could not get past Southeast Missouri Saturday as they fell to the Redhawks, 3-1. The Bulldogs will return home winless on the weekend, but will begin to prepare to host Jacksonville State on Wednesday.

In game one, Samford (6-18, 1-9 OVC) started out with the two-point lead, but Southeast Missouri (11-13, 5-5 OVC) quickly tied the game and took over. The Redhawks dominated the game from that point on, leading by as much as 10. The Bulldogs came back to cut the lead in half, but Southeast Missouri would take the first game, 30-25.

Southeast Missouri quickly put six points on the board in game two, but Samford would come back to tie it at six on a kill by outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe. However, the Redhawks would press forward, keeping the lead at four for most of the game. With the score at 28-24, the Bulldogs would go on a 6-2 run, sparked by kills from right side hitter Sheridan Stanhohr and middle blocker Angela Dempski, to take the game, 30-28.

Samford scored the first points in game three, but Southeast Missouri would not let the Bulldogs have the lead. The Redhawks led by as much as 10 again, dominated this game, and would go on to win by nine (30-22).

Southeast Missouri totally dominated the fourth and final game, never really giving Samford a chance to catch up. The Redhawks won, 30-8.

Trimpe posted her second consecutive double-double tonight as she led in kills with 12 and racked up 19 digs for the Bulldogs. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay also posted a double-double against the Redhawks with 36 assists and 15 digs. Defensive specialist Sarah Gardner tallied 23 digs, while Stangohr had nine kills and 11 points. Middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski posted a .364 hitting percentage.

Next, Samford will play host to Jacksonville State this Wednesday. Match play is set for 7 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Three Samford Women’s Tennis Duos In Semifinals Of Memphis Tournament

--- Three Bulldogs vie for spots in the singles finals ---

Oct. 20, 2006

MEMPHIS, Tenn. ---- The Samford women’s tennis had a great showing in the first day of the Memphis Lady Tiger Invitational today. Three Bulldog pairs and three singles players have made their way to the semifinals of the tournament.

Emily White and Sarah Mckey defeated Southern Mississippi duo Blackett/Kammerer, 9-8 (6), and Murray State doubles team Pruitt/Pennington, 8-5, to make it to the semi-finals of their doubles bracket. White/McKey will face off with Harrison/Enica of Stephen F. Austin Saturday morning at 9 a.m., for a spot in the finals.

In the same bracket, Anna Jackson and Whitnie Warren beat Pollack/Strombert of Ball State, 8-6, and M. Harrison/Nowicki of Stephen F. Austin, 8-3, to get to the semi-finals. They will play McGahee/Bochenek tomorrow at 9 a.m., for a place in the finals.

Christie Baker and Katie McMiller solidified their spot in the division two doubles bracket by defeating Memphis duo of Zafir/Toulch, 8-4, and Campbell’s Bensimon/Stojancev, 8-5. They will also play Dellacono/Guiterman of Southern Mississippi at 9 a.m., tomorrow.

Whitney Flesher teamed up with Anne Tilton of Southern Illinois for the doubles competition. They received a bye for the first round of play, but could get past van Wyk/Lokhande of Arkansas State (8-2) in the second round of the tournament.

In singles, Emily White and Whitnie Warren made it to the semifinal round of the division two bracket. White defeated Zeljka Minic of Arkansas State, 6-1, 6-4, in the first round and Gaby Gadera in two sets of 6-4 in the second round. Warren beat Lauren Nowicki of Stephen F. Austin, 6-2, 6-2, in the first round and Arkansas State’s Renee Branker, 4-6, 6-4, 10-4, in second round. White will take on Angela McGahee of OVC for Murray State, and Warren will face Campbell’s Iva Stojancev tomorrow.

In division four, Whitney Flesher took down Southern Illinois’ Anne Titlon in two sets of 6-0, to make it to the second round. However, she could not get past Campbell’s Nina Surviladze, 1-6, 6-3, 10-7.

Also in division four, Christie Baker defeated Rachel Surowiec of Ball State, 6-0, 6-2, to get to the semifinals after having a bye in the first round. Baker will face off with Lynsey Bochenek of Murray State in the semifinals tomorrow.

Sarah McKey moved on to the second round of the division three singles by deafeating My-Hang Nguyen of Arkansas State, 5-7, 7-5, 11-9. However, she was knocked out of the competition in the quarterfinals as she fell to Grace Kammerer of Southern Mississippi, 4-1, ret.

Both Anna Jackson and Katie McMiller fell to the division one consolation bracket after losses in their first matches today. Jackson lost to Stephen F. Austin’s Laura Harrison (1-6, 6-3, 10-8), and then fell to Marjorie Ondeck of Memphis (6-1, 6-3) to get knocked out of the division one singles consolation bracket. McMiller fell to Paula Chelminska of Arkansas State (5-7, 6-3, 10-8) in the first round of the division one bracket, but beat Casady Pruitt of Murray State (7-5, 6-4) to make it to the semifinals of the consolation draw. She will face Polina Askerko of Ball State tomorrow for a chance to vie for the consolation title.

The Bulldogs will conclude play in the Lady Tiger Invitational tomorrow at 9 a.m., with the finals of the doubles competition, followed by the decision of singles draws.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Falls To Eastern Illinois, 3-0, On the Road

--- Bulldogs fall to 1-8 in conference play ---

Oct. 20, 2006

CHARLESTON, Ill. ---- The Samford volleyball team dropped their third straight game tonight to the Panthers of Eastern Illinois. The Bulldogs and Panthers are now both 1-8 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Samford (6-17, 1-8 OVC) played EIU (6-14, 1-8 OVC) close early in the first game, eventually taking the lead on a service ace by freshman outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe. However, the Panthers tied the game at five, then took the lead on their own service ace by Lauren Schutte. The Bulldogs would tie the game twice after that, but they would not be able to catch the Panthers’ lead. Although they were able to close the EIU lead to three at one point, the Panthers would go on to win game one, 30-22.

Game two started out as a close game, each team tieing at every point and never leading by more than a point, before Samford tied it at 10 and took over on a kill by sophomore defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay. The Bulldogs extended the lead to four on a service ace by sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears. Sears soon extended the lead to six on a kill, but the Panthers fought back to tie the game at 27. EIU took game two, 30-27.

The Bulldogs took over game three from the beginning, leading by as much as seven (12-5) early in the game. However, the Panthers raced back once again to get back in the game and soon close the Samford lead to two, 20-18. Samford fought to keep its lead, but Eastern Illinois was able to bring it to a tie at 24. The Bulldogs briefly lost their lead, but soon made the score 26-26 on a block by Trimpe and sophomore middle blocker Jen Powers. Trimple made a kill to get the lead back, and sophomore defensive specialist would extend that lead to two on a service ace. The Panthers would not give up, however, tieing the game once again at 29 and going on to win, 33-31.

Trimpe led the Bulldogs tonight in three categories with 12 kills, 13 digs, and 14 points. Gay tallied 22 assists and 10 digs, while Sears had six kills and 12 digs and sophomore middle blocker Powers had four block assists. The Bulldogs out-blocked the Panthers, 9-8.

Samford will continue its weekend road trip as it takes on Southeast Missouri tomorrow in Cape Giarardeau, Mo. Match play begins at 5 p.m.

Samford Women’s To Play In Memphis Tournament

--- Bulldogs travel to the Music City to play in the Lady Tiger Invitational ---

Oct. 19, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s tennis team will travel to the Music City this weekend to participate in the Lady Tiger Invitational hosted by the University of Memphis.

The Bulldogs will see Ohio Valley Conference foe Murray State, along with teams from Arkansas State, Ball State, Campbell, Stephen F. Austin, Southern Illinois, Southern Mississippi, and host Memphis.

The last time the Samford women hit the courts was in North Carolina State’s Residence Inn North Wolfpack Invitational, where the Bulldogs had an amazing showing. Seniors Emily White and Sarah McKey and junior Katie McMiller all took first place in each of their flights. Freshman Whitney Flescher came in second in her flight, and seniors Christie Baker and Bethany Benson and junior Anna Jackson took fifth, sixth, and eighth place, respectively, in their flights.

In doubles, Jackson and Baker won their flight title as they faced off with fellow Bulldogs Flescher and her doubles partner from Appalachian State. Also, Benson and McMiller took fifth place in their flight.

The tournament will be played on the courts at Rhodes College and starts Friday morning with two doubles rounds followed by the singles competition. Complete draws for the Lady Tiger Invitational will be available online at http://www.gotigersgo.com/.

Volleyball To Take On Two Conference Foes This Weekend

--- Bulldogs hit the road to face Eastern Illinois and Eastern Missouri ---

Oct. 19, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will be on the road this weekend as they take on Eastern Illinois and Southeastern Missouri. This will be the first of two meeting between these teams this season. Eastern Illinois and Southeastern Missouri will also be the last teams to play the Bulldogs in Seibert Hall during the regular 2006 season.

Last season, Samford (6-16, 1-7 OVC) lost both of its matches against the EIU Panthers. The Bulldogs hope to get revenge this Friday as they invade the campus of Eastern Illinois looking for a win.

Samford took Southeast Missouri to five games in their first meeting last season, but eventually fell in the fifth game. However, they got the job done in the second meeting, sweeping the Redhawks in three games. The Bulldogs hope to make it two in a row against the Redhawks this Saturday.

“We have had a good week of practice and are looking forward to our two matches this weekend,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said.

Samford has had some players take on new roles recently, especially Libero Courtney Gay.

“Courtney Gay has been doing a great job for us in her new role as setter and the team is connecting with her better than ever,” said Durban.

Southeast Missouri is currently in sixth place in the conference with an overall record of 10-12, and a conference record of 4-4. Samford sits at ninth place, while Eastern Illinois rounds out the conference in 11th place with at record of 5-14, 0-8 OVC.

Match play begins Friday at 7 p.m., as the Bulldogs take on the Panthers in Lantz Arena on the EIU campus. They will then face the Redhawks Saturday at 2 p.m., in Southeast Missouri’s Houck Field House.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf Finished Sixth In Chris Banister Classic

--- Freshman Katelyn Stanier has incredible third round to finish 11th ---

Oct. 17, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team enjoyed much better weather today as they finished out the final round of the Jacksonville State Chris Banister Fall Classic. The Bulldogs finished sixth in the tournament, shooting overall 329-330-310 = 969 on Silver Lakes Golf Course.

After the first two rounds yesterday, Samford sat at sixth place with just about equal scores in each round. However, the Bulldogs showed much improvement in the final round, improving 20 strokes from yesterday’s performance.

“Although we did not move up, shooting 310 and improving that much on this course is remarkable,” Samford head golf coach Ian Thompson said. “That is the best we have ever shot on this course.”

Freshman Katelyn Stanier (80-84-71 = 235) was the standout player today for the Bulldogs, shooting one under par in the third round. This 13-stroke improvement from round two brought Stanier to an 11^th place finish today, five places up from her 16^th place tie yesterday.

“Katelyn Stanier definitely played rock solid golf today,” said Thompson. “This now has both of our freshmen shooting a round under par and they have only played in three tournaments.”

Sophomore Maria Troche (78-83-77 = 238) dropped one spot, from 12^th to 13^th place, but improved six strokes from yesterday. Freshman Heather Arnold stayed at 22^nd place, shooting 80 in the final round, bring here final scores to 87-80-80 = 247. Sophomore Kellie O’Connell (86-83-82 = 251) dropped two places to 29^th place, improving one stroke from round two. Rounding out the Bulldogs was junior Courtney Warr, who tied for 34^th place (85-87-86 = 258).

“We take a lot of positives from the final round,” said Thompson. “We beat Tennessee Tech, who typically has a good team, by 45 strokes. We had a lot of fun, despite the weather yesterday, and we take pride in our improvement.”

Next, the Samford women will join the Samford men in the F&M Bank APSU Intercollegiate in Clarksville, Tenn., next Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 23-24. The women will play at the Clarksville Country Club, a par-71 course, and the men will play on the Links at Novadell, at par-72 course.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf Sits At Sixth After First Day Of Chris Banister Classic

--- Bulldogs weather unpleasant conditions to get 36 holes in ---

Oct. 16, 2006

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. ---- The Samford University women’s golf team endured the wind and the rain today, finishing in sixth place after 36 holes in the first day of the Chris Banister Fall Classic. The tournament, hosted by Jacksonville State, is being held at the Silver Lakes Golf Course.

“It was raining most of the day, and windy,” Samford head women’s golf coach Ian Thompson said. “Those were difficult conditions on an already difficult course.”

Due to a possible storm coming through the area tomorrow, the teams decided to play 36 holes today instead of 27 holes as plan. Samford sat at fourth place out of eight teams after the first round of 18, shooting 329. Following the second round, the Bulldogs had dropped to sixth place after shooting 330, 659 overall.

“That score of 329 is close to what I expected,” said Thompson, “especially in the conditions we were playing in on such a hard course.”

Leading the Bulldogs in the first day of the tournament was sophomore Maria Troche, shooting 78-83 = 161, putting her at 12^th place overall. Freshmen Katelyn Stanier (80-84 = 16) and Heather Arnold (87-80 = 164) sit in ties after two rounds, Stanier at 12^th and Arnold at 22^nd. Sophomore Kellie O’Connell is in 27^th place, shooting 86-83 = 169, and junior Courtney Warr (85-87 = 172) is in a tie for 31^st.

“I thought, anyone shooting 80 was good for us, considering the difficulty of the course,” said Thompson. “Maria Troche had a great first round but had uncharacteristic high numbers in the second round. Kately Stanier had a solid first day, and Heather Arnold showed much improvement in the second round.

“I’d hoped for a little more but considering the conditions, we can’t be disappointed. We are definitely a better team this year, and that shows.”

Playing as individuals for Samford were junior Brooke Barriento (88-84 = 172), sophomore Stephanie Larson (89-87 = 176), sophomore Caroline Herman (94-86 = 180), and senior Ashleigh Hicks (91-92 = 183).

The final round of the 54-hole event will begin with a shot-gun start at 8 a.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Bulldog Duo Reaches Semifinals In USC Invitational

--- Grant falls in semifinals ---

Oct. 15, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. ---- Bulldog duo Jason Thomas and Bradley Weaver, as well as fellow Bulldogs Hank Grant reached the semifinal round of their respective brackets in the final day of the USC Fall Invitational. All other Bulldogs were retired early.

Grant met up with Daniel Knause of Furman today to vie for a spot in the finals of the A-2 singles consolation bracket. He would see the end of the road there as he fell to Knause, 6-7, 6-3, 1-0(2). Grant was defeated, 6-3, 6-4, in his first match of the A-2 Singles yesterday by Robert Jendeland of Armstrong Atlantic. That loss sent Grant to the consolation bracket where he would beat Quinten Guichard of Charleston Southern, 7-5, 6-1, and Barton College’s Dan Mascall, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the semifinals.

Thomas/Weaver received a bye to the B-3 quarterfinals Friday to take on McElveen/Muthig of Wofford. They advanced to the semifinals with an 8-6 win over McElveen/Muthig, but would drop the semifinal match, 8-2, to Georgia Southern duo Mallet/Shine. Mallet/Shine would go on to win the bracket title.

Other Bulldogs face tough competitors, but could not get to the final rounds in the end.

Hampton’s Seo-Jae Chang sent Bulldog Renan Silveira to the consolation bracket of the A-1 Singles after he beat Silveira, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4. Silveira would then take on the Citadel’s Danny Dossetor and beat him, 6-3, 6-3, sending Silveira to the semifinal round. However, he would be ousted by David Budler of Francis Marion, 2-6, 6-4, 10-5.

In the B-1 Singles bracket, sophomore Brian Dushock was defeated by Tim Mudrick of Auburn-Montgomery, 6-3, 6-0. In the consolation bracket, Dushock would fall to Zack Watson of Radford, 7-5, 6-2.

In B-3 Singles, junior Jason Thomas fell in his first match (6-3, 2-6, 6-4) to Austin Webb of Wofford. There was still no luck for Thomas in the consolation bracket as he fell to Christian Easton of Armstrong Atlantic, 6-3, 6-0. Senior Bradley Weaver made his way to the quarterfinal round by defeating Steven Myers (7-5, 6-4) of College of Charleston, but would play his last match of the weekend as he fell to Auburn-Montgomery’s Nikola Miskovic, 7-6, 6-2.

Junior Sam Huffman made it to the quarterfinals of the B-2 Singles defeating Diego Martinez of Troy (6-1, 6-4) and Thiago Barbosa of Winthrop (5-7, 6-3, 6-2). However, that would be the end of Huffman’s trip as he fell to Chris Peek of South Carolina-Up State, 6-3, 6-1.

In doubles, Grant/Misner received a bye to the quarterfinals and made their way to the A-2 doubles semifinals by defeating Mudrick/Petropolous of Auburn-Montgomery, 8-2. However, they would lose their chance to get to the finals after falling to Melllis/Quibell, 8-6. Also Dushock/Miletic were defeated by Hampton duo Herrera/Sacomandi in the first round of the B-2 doubles.

Up next for the Samford men’s tennis team is the ITA Southeast Regionals. The Bulldogs will travel to Lexington, Ky., next Friday, Oct. 20, to compete in four days of matches.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf To Play In Chris Banister Classic

--- Bulldogs hope to better previous 10^th place performance ---

Oct. 16, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University women’s golf team will tee off today in the Chris Banister Golf Classic hosted by Jacksonville State. The 12^th annual tournament, held at Silver Lakes Golf Course, is a tribute to the late Chris Banister, a former Jacksonville State assistant golf coach.

Last year, Samford finished 10^th in this tournament (325-334-339 = 998). Host team Jacksonville State is the reigning tournament champion. Jacksonville State has won the last four tournaments including a Spring tournament in 2005. The only other repeat champion is Troy State, who won the title in the first two year of the tournament in 1996 and 1997.

The last time the Bulldogs were in action was Sept. 25-26, at the Fred Marx Invitational, where they finished fourth overall. Freshman Heather Arnold also finished fourth overall.

The Chris Banister Classic was named in honor of former JSU assistant golf coach Chris Banister. The University has also established an endowed scholarship fund to help young golfers in the community achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Little Luck For Bulldogs In South Carolina Invitational

--- One Bulldog and a duo still in the game after two days of play in USC Invitational---

Oct. 14, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. ---- Junior Hank Grant is the only Bulldog still in contention for a title after two days of play at the South Carolina Invitational. All other Bulldogs have been knocked out of the running.

Grant was defeated, 6-3, 6-4, in his first match of the A-2 Singles yesterday by Robert Jendeland of Armstrong Atlantic. That loss sent Grant to the consolation bracket where he would beat Quinten Guichard of Charleston Southern, 7-5, 6-1, and Barton College's Dan Mascall, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the semifinals. Grant will face of with Daniel Knause of Furman tomorrow at 9 a.m., for a spot in the final round.

Hampton's Seo-Jae Chang sent Bulldog Renan Silveira to the consolation bracket of the A-1 Singles after he beat Silveira, 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-4. Silveira would then take on the Citadel's Danny Dossetor and beat him, 6-3, 6-3, sending Silveira to the semifinal round. However, he would be ousted by David Budler of Francis Marion, 2-6, 6-4, 10-5.

In the B-1 Singles bracket, sophomore Brian Dushock was defeated by Tim Mudrick of Auburn-Montgomery, 6-3, 6-0. In the consolation bracket, Dushock would fall to Zack Watson of Radford, 7-5, 6-2.

In B-3 Singles, junior Jason Thomas fell in his first match (6-3, 2-6, 6-4) to Austin Webb of Wofford. There was still no luck for Thomas in the consolation bracket as he fell to Christian Easton of Armstrong Atlantic, 6-3, 6-0. Senior Bradley Weaver made his way to the quarterfinal round by defeating Steven Myers (7-5, 6-4) of College of Charleston, but would play his last match of the weekend as he fell to Auburn-Montgomery's Nikola Miskovic, 7-6, 6-2.

Junior Sam Huffman made it to the quarterfinals of the B-2 Singles defeating Diego Martinez of Troy (6-1, 6-4) and Thiago Barbosa of Winthrop (5-7, 6-3, 6-2). However, that would be the end of Huffman's trip as he fell to Chris Peek of South Carolina-Up State, 6-3, 6-1.

In doubles, Grant/Misner received a bye to the quarterfinals and made their way to the A-2 doubles semifinals by defeating Mudrick/Petropolous of Auburn-Montgomery, 8-2. However, they would lose their chance to get to the finals after falling to Melllis/Quibell, 8-6. Also Dushock/Miletic were defeated by Hampton duo Herrera/Sacomandi in the first round of the B-2 doubles. Thomas/Weaver received a bye to the B-3 quarterfinals Friday to take on McElveen/Muthig of Wofford. No results have been posted for that bracket.

The Bulldogs will wrap up play at the USC Invitational tomorrow morning as Grant will take on Furman's Daniel Knause at 9 a.m. For results and draws from the USC Invitational, visit USCsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Falls To Eastern Kentucky In Three Games

--- Bulldogs fall to 1-7 in the conference ---

Oct. 14, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team dropped their final match of Family Weekend Saturday to the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky in three games. The Bulldogs fall to 6-16 overall and 1-7 in the conference.

The Bulldogs took the early lead in game one, but Eastern Kentucky quickly pulled out to a 12 point lead. Samford tried to fight back, but the Colonels would take the game, 30-16.

In game two, Eastern Kentucky took the early lead. The Colonels would get out to a four point lead, but the Bulldogs would close it back to two points. EKU extended the lead to seven, but the Bulldogs could only close the gap to five. The Colonels took the second game, 30-25.

Samford and EKU played close early in the third game, but the Colonels would eventually pull out to a seven point lead. The Bulldogs were able to close the gap to two, but the Colonels would extend that lead back out to 11, win the final game, 30-19.

Freshman right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr led the Bulldogs today with a .333 hitting percentage, while posting 7 kills and 9.5 points. Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe had a triple-double with 10 kills, 15 digs, and 10 points. Sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears had eight kills, eight points, and 18 digs, while sophomore middle blocker Angela Dempski six kills and eight points.

Samford had five Bulldogs in double digit digs again today including Trimpe (15), Sears (18), Katie Luckman (16), Sarah Gardner (10), and Courtney Gay (20). Gay also posted 35 assists.

Samford will be on the road next weekend as they play a 7:00 p.m., match at Eastern Illinois on Friday, Oct. 20. They will continue in match play as they take on Southeast Missouri on Saturday, Oct. 21, at 5:00 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***