Samford Nabs First Win Of The Season At Home

--- Bulldogs defeat Chattanooga, 3-1---

Sept. 6, 2006

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team chalked up their first win of the season tonight in front of a home crowd as they defeated Chattanooga, 3-1.

The Bulldogs (1-5) came out with a bang, winning the first two games. In game one, Samford fell behind early but soon jumped out to a 12-8 lead. Chattanooga (0-4) kept it a close game, but Samford came out on top, 30-27.

In game two, Samford took the early lead and never looked back, leading by as much nine and winning the game, 30-19.

Game three was a back-and-forth game until the Lady Mocs of Chattanooga pulled away with a lead of three points. Samford fought back to tie it up at 16 and then 18, but could not put the win away. Chattanooga won 30-24.

Samford came back fighting hard in the fourth game. They took the early lead, but the Lady Mocs tied the game at 15. Samford then went on a 15 to 5 run, and wrapped the match up, winning the final game, 30-20.

“I think we definitely stepped up our game tonight,” Head Coach Michelle Durban said. “Tonight was a total team effort. We did a lot of different things. Jen (Powers) went down with leg cramps in the third game, so Kirstein (Sosnowski) came in. It was Sarah Gardner’s first time to play Libero. Courtney Gay had to come in at a different position.”

Freshmen hitters Katie Luckman and Sheridan Stangohr lead the Bulldogs to their first victory of the season. Luckman posted a double-double as she tallied 10 kills and 16 digs. Stangohr lead the team in hitting percentage at .379 and also posted a team high 14 kills.

Sophomore middle blocker Jen Powers went out in the third game with leg cramps, but still managed to hit .281 and post 10 kills. Sophomore setter Jackie Jaszcz also doubled up in three categories with 45 attack assists, 12 attack attempts, and 15 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears had 8 kills and 19 digs, and senior defensive specialist Callaway Logan posted 17 digs.

“I think Sheridan (Stangohr) really stepped up for us. She played well this weekend and once again tonight, hitting over .300 and having 14 kills. Of course, Jen (Powers) hitting almost .300 and having 13 kills while having leg cramps, and Katie Luckman is doing exactly what we asked her to do.”

The Bulldogs out-blocked Chattanooga 11 to six, and out-hit the Lady Mocs every game except the third one.

“Tonight was about maintaining our focus,” said Durban. “Maybe that might help us get over that hump that we’ve been talking about. I think this win definitely will give our girls some confidence, and that is the biggest thing for us to have right now going into this weekend.”

Next, Samford will in action this weekend, as they travel to Mobile, Ala., to play in the South Alabama Tournament. There they will take on the Auburn Tigers on Friday at 4 p.m. Match play will continue on Saturday as the Bulldogs face hosts South Alabama at 1p.m., and Southeastern Louisiana at 4:30 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***