Samford Drops First Match Of Jaguar Classic

--- Bulldogs fall to Auburn, 3-1 ---

Sept. 8, 2006

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team dropped their first match of the Jaguar Classic to Auburn, 3-1.

The Bulldogs came out competitive and fought hard. Even though they could not take away the win, the Samford coaching staff was satisfied with the performance of this very young Bulldog squad.

“We were pleased,” said Head Coach Michelle Durban. “I think people look at our record and say we shouldn’t be out there on the court with an SEC team, but I think it showed that we are getting better. We were able compete with Auburn.”

Samford came out tough in game one, but slowly let the lead slip away as Auburn took an eight point lead. The Bulldogs could not catch up to close the gap, and dropped the first game 20-30.

In the second game, Samford took an early five point lead. The Tigers came back to close the lead to two, but the Bulldogs would hold on to this one, 30-27.

In game three the Bulldogs fell behind early, but came roaring back on a 7-1 run to take the lead after a crucial timeout. Auburn tied it up at 13, and then took at two point lead. Samford tied it up at 23, but could not put it away. The Bulldogs dropped game three, 29-31.

Samford fell behind early again in game four, but quickly tied it up, 8-8. However, they could not keep the Tigers from taking a four point lead. Auburn quickly extended the lead to ten, and Samford could not keep up. Auburn took the forth and final game, 30-14.

“If you look at the stats for game three,” said Durban, “we actually out hit Auburn. It’s the key errors, once again, from a young team, but I felt very confident. I think if we play like that the rest of the year, we will win a lot of matches.”

Freshman defensive specialist Sheridan Stangohr led the Bulldogs with 13 kills and a .276 hitting percentage. Sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears doubled up with 10 kills and 11 digs, and sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Gardner led the team in digs with 15.

Samford will wrap up tournament action tomorrow, beginning with host South Alabama at 1 p.m., and finally Southeastern Louisiana at 4:30 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***