Samford Volleyball Predicted To Finish Sixth in OVC

Bulldogs get first preseason All-OCV player honors in history

August 9, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball team has been predicted by conference coaches and sports information directors to finish in sixth place in the Ohio Valley Conference this season.

Samford joins the top six behind Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee State, Jacksonville State, Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

“We are excited about where we’ve been picked to finish,” said head coach Michelle Durban. “It shows that we have continued to get better and it gives us the opportunity to go out there and show that we belong in that spot.”

Sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears has also been selected to the preseason All-OVC Second Team. Last season Sears led the Bulldogs in kills (426), kills per game (3.64), service aces (37) and points (483). She also set Samford's all-time single-season record with 1,199 attempts and ended the season ranked seventh in the OVC in both kills (426) and points per game (4.13). She was also named to the 2005 OVC All-Newcomer Team.

“This is the first time that we’ve had someone picked for preseason All-OVC since we’ve been here,” said Durban. “Once again, this shows that we are gaining respect in the conference and we are excited that Sara has earned this honor.”

Joining Sears on the second team are outside hitters Amy Arlinghaus and Jessica Sabath of Eastern Kentucky, outside hitter Ashley Doshcer of Morehead State, outside hitter Kara Sorenson and setter Maren Crabtree of Eastern Illinois, and setter Tiana Maua of Tennessee State.

The OVC preseason first team includes middle blocker Abbey Breit of Jacksonville State, outside hitter Jessica Koeper and setter Jamie Baumstark of Southeast Missouri, outside hitter Kelly Davis and middle hitter Kelley Smith of Tennessee State, and setter Kelly Jennings and Libero Brittany Nobilio of Eastern Kentucky.

Samford opens the 2006 regular season on Aug. 26, when the team goes across town to participate in the Magic/Music City Invite, hosted by Birmingham-Southern. There the Bulldogs will face Belmont University at noon and then Lipscomb University at 6 p.m. The first home match for the Bulldogs is scheduled for Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., against Chattanooga.