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 ***

Cross Country Finishes In Top Three At UTC Front Runner Event

--- Bulldogs on the right track for OVC Championships ---

Oct. 14, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s and women’s cross country had a great day today at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Front Runner Invitational, finishing second in the men’s 5K race and third in the women’s two-mile race. This is the second time that the Bulldogs have raced at Moccasin Bend this year.

“This is a tough trail, very hilly,” Bulldog Cross Country head coach Glenn McWaters said. “Especially for the women, the two mile course is a slow two miles.”

The women ran with eight other teams and finished behind Georgia Tech and host team Chattanooga. The men ran with five other teams and come in behind host team Chattanooga.

Katherine Herring was the top runner for the Bulldogs again, finishing third overall, with a time of 11:08. Britney Almaguer (11:32) and Robin DeBenedet (11:36) came in at eight and ninth place, respectively. Jessican Van Ausdall ran a time of 11:52, finishing 15^th, and Lauren Pilcher finished 29^th with a time of 12:53.

For the men, Cameron Bean finished seventh with a time of 15:43. Drew Anderwald (15:44) was right behind him in eighth place. Bo Brawner finished 11^th, running 15:53, and Blaise Carie finished 13^th, running 15:55. Michael Hanson finished 20^th with a time of 16:11.

“We showed a lot of progress from the last time we were here,” said McWaters. “We ran much faster, we looked good, and I was very pleased. I think we are prepared and on the right track to do well in conference in two weeks.”

The Bulldogs will participate in the Ohio Valley Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 28, in Clarksville, Tenn. The reigning OVC Champion Samford women’s cross country team will try to make it back-to-back championship, and the men will try for their first conference championship.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Falls To Morehead State, 4-1

--- Bulldogs tough play not enough to take down Eagles ---

Oct. 13, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team fell to Ohio Valley Conference number two Morehead State tonight, 4-1. This is Samford’s sixth loss in the conference, and it brings the Bulldogs’ to 6-14 on the season.

The Bulldogs came out ready to play in the first game, keeping the score close and taking the lead until the Eagles tied it at nine and took over. Leading by as much as eight at one point, Morehead State kept the lead, although the Bulldogs closed the gap to six. The Eagles went on to win game one, 30-24.

Samford jumped out to the early lead in game two, although Morehead State tried to keep the game close. The Bulldogs controlled the game, leading by as much as six at point. The Eagles managed to close the gap to three, but Samford would take the game, 30-27.

The Eagles took the early lead in game three, but Samford would come back to tie it at 17. The Bulldogs took the lead, but Morehead State came back to tie the game at 22 and take over. Samford tried to fight back but the Eagles would take game three, 30-25.

The Bulldogs fell behind early in the fourth and final game. With Morehead State leading by as much as 12, Samford came back to close the gap to 2, but the Eagles would take match, 30-26.

“I was pleased with our overall defensive performance,” Bulldog head coach Michelle Durban said. "I thought we hung in there, especially in game four, going down like we did and showing that we were willing to come back and play. I was very proud of the girls for that.”

Freshman outside hitter Sheridan Stangohr led the Bulldogs with a .318 hitting percentage and six block assists. Stangohr also posted 11 kills and 14 points. Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe posted triple digits in three categories with 14 kills, 13 digs, and 15 points. She also had a .308 hitting percentage. Sophomore defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay posted 45 assists and 10 digs, and sophomore middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski had 10 kills and 12.5 points. Freshman defensive specialist Sarah Gardner tallied 21 digs.

“I was good to see Alyssa Trimpe have the match that she had,” said Durban. “That’s what we have been expecting out of her. We had three players in double figure kills. We had five in double digit digs, and I think that is the first time we’ve done that all year. We are definitely getting better, and hopefully that will show tomorrow.”

Match play will continue for the Bulldogs tomorrow at 2 p.m., as they take on the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Cross Country To Run In UTC’s Front Runner Invitational

--- Bulldogs run in Chattanooga for second time this season ---

Oct. 13, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s and women’s cross country teams will head to Chattanooga to participate in the UTC Front Runner Invitational on Saturday. This is the second time this season that the Bulldogs have gone to Chattanooga to run.

The women are set to begin at 3:30 p.m., on a 2-mile course at Moccasin Bend. The men will start at 4 p.m., on a 5K course.

The men’s and women’s teams from Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Western Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State, Fisk, Sewanee, and host Chattanooga will be competing along with the women’s teams from Georgia Southern, Tennessee State, and Montevallo.

The first time Samford hit the ground in Chattanooga was at the Chattanooga Opener, Sept. 8, where the women took second place and the men took fourth place. Freshman Angela Fister was the top runner for the women with a fourth place finish at 11:54 on the two mile course. The top runner for the men’s was sophomore Cameron Bean, finishing seventh with a time of 15:58 on the 5K course.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Tennis To Play In South Carolina Invite

--- Bulldogs get back to action after long break ---

Oct. 12, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s tennis will head to Columbia, S.C., this weekend to participate in the USC Fall Invitational. The Bulldogs will try to better the good weekend they had a few weeks ago in the UTC Baras Classic.

The invitational will feature six singles flights and three doubles flights. Match play will begin at 9 a.m., Friday morning and will continue through the weekend. Flights finals are scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Several Bulldogs made it to the finals in the singles and doubles draws of the Baras Classic. Bulldogs duos Sam Huffman/Renan Silveira and Hank Grant/Stuart Misner met in the finals of their doubles draw but did not play the match. Brian Dushock/Manuel Miletic made it to the finals in their draw but could not get past a pair from UAB. Silveira also made it to the finals in his singles draw.

Samford will be competing with 32 other teams in the USC Invitational including Alabama squads from UAB, Jacksonville State, Auburn, and Auburn Montgomery. To view draws from the tournament, visit USCsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball To Take On Morehead State, Eastern Kentucky

--- Bulldogs try for second conference win ---

Oct. 12, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will host its second consecutive weekend of home matches this Friday and Saturday against Ohio Valley Conference opponents Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky. The Bulldogs hope to get back-to-back wins for a home crowd this weekend, as they host Family Weekend.

The Bulldogs last met the Eagles and the Colonels exactly a year ago on the campuses of Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky. The Bulldogs split the weekend, defeating Morehead State in three games (30-28, 30-23, 30-22) and falling to EKU in three games (17-30, 23-30, 19-30).

Morehead State currently sits at number two in the conference with an overall record of 12-4, and a conference record of 5-1. Eastern Kentucky is two spots above Samford in the conference standings at seventh place with a record of 9-11, 2-4 OVC.

Match play begins Friday at 7 p.m., as the Bulldogs take on the Morehead State Eagles. They will then get ready to face the Colonels of Eastern Kentucky Saturday at 2 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Captures First Conference Win Over Austin Peay

--- Bulldogs out Governors in three games ---

Oct. 7, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team earned their first conference win today as they took down the Governors of Austin Peay in three straight games. This was Samford’s fourth home win.

Austin Peay (3-15, 1-5 OVC) took the early lead in game one, but Samford (6-14, 1-5 OVC) came back to tie it at 11. The Governors fought hard to keep the lead, but the Bulldogs took control late in the game and won, 30-26.

Samford came out playing hard in the second game, keeping control the whole time. The Bulldogs led by as much as 11, going on to win game two, 30-22.

The Bulldogs played a close game three with the Governors until Samford pulled out to a six point lead, 19-13. Samford went on an 11-2 run, to take the game and the match, 30-15.

Sophomore middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski lead the Bulldogs today with a .400 hitting percentage and double digits in three categories with 11 kills, 20 attempts, and 12.5 points. Sophomore middle blocker Jen Powers came in right behind with a .375 hitting percentage, nine kills, and 10.5 points. Sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears tallied nine kills, 18 digs and 11 points. Sophomore setter Courtney Gay posted 42 assists, and freshman defensive specialist Sara Gardner had 20 digs along with a .333 hitting percentage.

“I was very happy with our defensive performance today, both our blocking and our digs,” said Bulldog head coach Michelle Durban said. “Jen (Powers) did a great job of keeping balls in play and having no errors, and Kirstein (Sosnowski) coming out and having back-to-back games with double digits in kills was definitely huge for us.”

Samford will be back in action at home next weekend, Oct. 13 -14, as they take on Ohio Valley Conference competitors Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky. The Bulldogs will face off with the Eagles of Morehead State Friday at 7 p.m., and then they will take on the Colonels of EKU Saturday at 2 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Falls In Three Games To Tennessee State

--- Bulldogs fall in tough conference match ---

Oct. 6, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team fell to Tennessee State tonight in three straight games. The Bulldogs came out strong, but they could not take the match from this tough Ohio Valley Conference competitor.

Samford (5-14, 0-5 OVC) played a close first game against the Tigers (11-9, 4-1 OVC). Each team traded the lead several times and never led by more than a point, until the Bulldogs took the lead at 18-14. The Tigers came back to tie it at 19, but the Bulldogs pulled away again with the four point lead. TSU came back to tie the game again, and took control. The Bulldogs fell in game one, 27-30.

Game two started out close but Tennessee State soon took control and never looked back. The Bulldogs managed to keep the TSU lead at five, but the Tigers won game two, 30-25.

In game three, the Bulldogs jumped out to the early four-point lead, the Tigers would not let Samford run away with it. Tennessee State took the lead after tying the game at seven and led by as much as four, but the Bulldogs would come back to tie it late, 26-26. However, TSU would not give up the game, winning the game and the match 30-28.

“Game one, we definitely let get away,” said Bulldog head coach Michelle Durban. “I thought it was good that out team stayed aggressive.”

Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe and sophomore middle blocker led the Bulldogs with 12 kills each. Trimpe also had nine digs. Freshman right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr led the team in hitting with a .231 percentage. Sophomore setter Courtney Gay had 31 assists and five points, while freshman defensive specialist Sarah Gardner had 18 digs.

“(Sarah) Gardner definitely picked up her defensive intensity tonight,” said Durban. “The main thing right now is that our players need to continue to get smarter, especially with the situation that we are in right now.”

Match play will continue for the Bulldogs this weekend tomorrow morning as they take on the Austin Peay Governors. The first serve is set for 11 a.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball To Host Two Conference Matches

--- Bulldogs take on Tennessee State, Austin Peay for the second time ---

Oct. 5, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will play host to conference foes Tennessee State and Austin Peay this Friday and Saturday. This will mark the second meeting of these teams this season.

Samford (5-13, 0-4 OVC) opened up conference play against the Governors of Austin Peay (3-13, 1-3 PVC) two weeks ago, Friday, Sept. 22, in Clarksville, Tenn. The Bulldogs went five games with the Governors, but eventually fell 3-2.

The Bulldogs met the Tigers of Tennessee State (10-9, 3-1 OVC) in Nashville the next day as the Tigers played host to the Bulldogs. TSU defeated Samford in three straight games, bringing the Bulldogs to 0-2 in the conference in the first weekend of conference play.

Samford leads the series with the Tigers, 8-4, while trailing in the series with Austin Peay, 3-6.

Match play opens this Friday at 7 p.m., as the Bulldogs take on Tennessee State in Seibert Hall. Samford will then face Austin Peay Saturday morning at 11 a.m., two hours before Samford’s kick-off against Eastern Kentucky at 1 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Women’s Tennis Shows Improvement and Potential At Wolfpack Invitational

--- Bulldogs bring home multiple wins ---

Oct. 1, 2006

Raleigh, N.C. ---- The Samford women’s tennis team took home three singles first place finishes and one doubles crown in the 2006 Residence Inn North Wolfpack Invitational this weekend. The tournament, hosted by North Carolina State, concluded today on a good note for the Bulldogs.

Senior Emily White walked away with first place in the Flight B4 Singles, beating Ekaterina Kuznetsova, 6-2, 6-3. She defeated Maria Camberos yesterday in the semifinals, 6-4, 6-1.

Junior Katie McMiller took the top spot in the B2 Singles as she defeated Ana Surviladze of Campbell University by default. Yesterday, McMiller defeated Sarize Coetzee of Coastal Carolina, 6-1, 6-1, to get to the final round of the flight.

Senior Sarah McKey also won her flight this weekend. McKey knocked off the Wolfpack’s Ally Barry, 7-6, 6-1, yesterday to reach the finals of the C2 Singles to win over Blanca Saenz of Campbell by default today.

Freshman Whitney Flescher took second place in the D2 Singles, defeating Ashley Heard of Charleston Southern, 6-4, 6-2, but eventually losing in the finals, 6-4, 6-3.

Senior Christie Baker walked away with fifth place in the D1 Singles as she defeated Michelle Gee of Howard, 6-2, 6-0 today.

In the C3 Singles, senior Bethany Benson took sixth place, defeating Howard’s Whitney Ambush (6-3, 3-6, 7-5) in the semifinals, but finally losing to Nicole Lemmerer of Coastal Carolina, 6-0, 6-2.

Junior Anna Jackson placed eighth in the Flight A2 Singles, knocking off Wofford College’s Ashley Page, 6-1, 6-1.

In doubles, Anna Jackson and Christie Baker faced off with fellow Bulldog Whitney Flescher and Appalachian teammate Anna Cotton in the semifinals of the B2 Doubles. Jackson/Baker would take the match, 9-8 (7-5), and send Cotton/Flescher to play for third place. Jackson/Baker defeated Charleston Southern duo Heard/Swindell to take the B2 doubles crown, 8-5. Cotton/Flescher secured third place as they defeated Appalachian State’s Mauch Cook, 8-2.

Benson/McMiller took fifth place in the B1 Doubles knocking off Western Carolina duo Massey/Sjokist, 8-4.

The Samford women’s team will take a couple weeks off before heading back to the nets for some action. The next time we will see the Bulldogs in play will be Friday, Oct. 20 – Sunday, Oct. 22, as they head to Memphis, Tenn., for the 1006 Memphis Invitational.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball Drops Another Conference Match To Tennessee Tech

--- Bulldogs still looking for first conference win ---

Sept. 30, 2006

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. ---- The Samford volleyball team picked up their fourth conference loss today to Tennessee Tech. The Golden Eagles defeated the Bulldogs, 3-1.

The Bulldogs were looking for their second consecutive win over the Golden Eagles. The last time the two teams meet up was in Cookeville about a year ago. Samford defeated TTU, 3-1.

This time the Golden Eagles turned the tables. Tennessee Tech took the first, third and fourth games with scores of 30-22, 30-26, and 30-18. Samford was only able to walk away with the second game, 30-22.

Sophomore middle blocker Jen Powers led the team in with a .320 hitting percentage. Powers also had 14 points. Sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears was right behind her with a .279 hitting percentage, but she led the Bulldogs in three other categories. Sears chalked up 16 attacks, 43 attempts, and 18 points. Setter/Libero Courtney Gay had 38 assists and 11 digs.

“Sara Sears did a great job for us today,” said Head Coach Michelle Durban. “Also, Courtney Gay did a great job of setting and helping the outside.”

Freshman right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr posted six kills, one block solo and six block assists, and 11 points. Sophomore middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski had nine kills and 12 points, and sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Gardner posted 20 digs and four service aces. Freshman Katie Luckman had four kills and 17 attempts, nine digs, and 5.5 points.

“Katie Luckman came in off the bench and worked hard on the outside,” said Durban.

Samford will be back in action at home when they play Austin Peay on Friday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Match play will continue on Saturday as the Bulldogs take on Tennessee State at 11 a.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Volleyball To Take On Tennessee Tech

--- Bulldogs look to break three-match loss streak ---

Sept. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will head to Cookeville, Tenn., to take on the Tennessee Tech tomorrow at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs face the Golden Eagles in hopes of breaking the three-match skid they have been on since conference play opened up last week.

The last time the Bulldogs and the Golden Eagles met up was in Cookeville a little less than a year ago on Oct. 26, 2005. Samford took the match from TTU, 3-1, winning three games by at least seven points.

Tennessee Tech leads the series with Samford, winning six out of the last nine games. Samford looks to narrow that gap with a win tomorrow.

Both teams are pursuing their first conference win this weekend. So far in conference play the Bulldogs have lost to Austin Peay (2-3), Tennessee State (0-3), and Jacksonville State (0-3). The Golden Eagles are 0-2 in the conference, losing to Morehead State (1-3) and Eastern Kentucky (0-3).

Match play begins tomorrow, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m., in the Eblen Center on the campus of Tennessee Tech University.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Cross Country Has A Great Day On The Plains

--- Bulldogs take fifth place in Auburn Invitational ---

Sept. 30, 2006

AUBURN, Ala. ---- The Samford cross country team captured at great fifth place finish for both the men and the women today in the 2006 Auburn Invitational. The Bulldogs came in behind 15^th-ranked Iowa, host team Auburn, Florida State, and Steven F. Austin. Overall, there were 24 women’s teams and 21 men’s teams running in the meet.

Katherine Herring finished seventh for the women in the 3.1-mile course with a personal best time of 17:05. Herring was named OVC Cross Country Athlete of the Week last week along with teammate Bo Brawner.

Behind Herring were Britney Almaguer coming in a 22^nd with a time of 17:58 and Robyn DeBenedet at 28^th, running 18:05. Jessica Van Ausdall finished 47^th with a time of 18:27, Angela Fister ran 18:35 putting her at 56^th, and Lauren Pilcher finished 107^th with a time of 19:47.

Drew Anderwald was the top runner for the Bulldog men in the 5K course. Anderwald finished 30^th with a time of 25:13. Brawner and Michael Hanson came in right behind each other, finished 35^th and 36^th respectively, each with a time of 25:19. Blaise Carie ran 25:41, coming in a 52^nd place and Cameron Bean finished 54^th with a time of 25:42.

Other runners for the Bulldogs were Chase Keithan (26:26) and Patrick Ollinger (26:32).

“Today was a great day for us,” said Head Coach Glenn McWaters. “I was really pleased with the way we performed in this meet. We showed much improvement from last week, and I think we are on track to do well in the conference for both the men and the women.”

Next, the Bulldogs head to Chattanooga, Tenn., to participate in the UTC Invitational. This will be the second time that Samford has made the trip up to Chattanooga. The Bulldogs will try to top the second place finish for the women and the fourth place finish for the men that they chalked up on their last trip to Chattanooga.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Bulldog Runners Earn OVC Honors

--- Brawner and Herring named Runners of the Week ---

Sept. 28, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford cross country runners Bo Brawner and Katherine Herring have been named OVC Cross Country Athletes of the Week for their outstanding performances in the Great American Cross Country Festival this weekend.

Brawner, a red-shirt sophomore from Suwanee, Ga., clocked a time of 27:12, taking sixth place in this Saturday’s 8K men’s race. The Bulldog co-captain was a consistent top five runner for the Samford in the 2005 seaosn.

Herring, a native Alabamian, finished sixth for the women this weekend. The Madison, Ala., native, clocked at time of 18:58 in the women’s 5K race. Herring transferred to Samford in 2005 and has been a top competitor ever since.

Brawner and Herring will join their Bulldog team this weekend as they head to Auburn, Ala., to run in the Auburn Invitational.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Women’s Tennis Fairs Well In First Day Of Wolfpack Invitational

--- Two Bulldog duos face off for a place in the final round ---

Sept. 29, 2006

Raleigh, N.C. ---- The Samford women’s tennis team had a great first day today at the 2006 Residence Inn North Wolfpack Invitational hosted by North Carolina State. Three singles have moved on to the second round of the singles flights and three doubles have moved on to the third round of the doubles flights in the tournament.

Junior Katie McMiller defeated Presley Thomas of East Carolina, 6-1, 6-1. She will face Sarize Coetzee of Coastal Carolina tomorrow at 4 p.m., in the quarterfinals of the Flight B2 Singles.

Senior Emily White beat Appalachian State’s Frances Blanton, 6-1, 6-0, to get to the quarterfinals of the Flight B4 Singles. She will meet Maria Camberos of Coastal Carolina tomorrow at 2:15 p.m.

In the Flight C2 Singles, senior Bulldog Sarah McKey defeated Mallory Cook of Appalachian State, 6-3, 6-1. She will take on Ally Barry of NC State tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.

Freshman Whitney Flescher beat Courtney Armitano of Campbell, 6-0, 6-2, to move to the next round in the Flight D2 Singles. She will play Ashley Heard of Charleston Southern tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.

Junior Anna Jackson lost to Alejandra Guerra, 6-4, 6-4, to move into the consolation bracket of the Flight A2 Singles. This was a hard-fought loss for Jackson against the tough number two player from NC State. Jackson will meet up with Mireia Gol of East Carolina tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.

Senior Bethany Benson also moved to the consolation bracket of Flight C3 as she lost to Alex Smith of East Carolina, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Benson will play Whitney Ambush of Howard tomorrow at 3:45 p.m.

Senior Christy Baker lost to Lauren Barry of NC State, 6-2, 6-2, to put her in the consolation bracket of the Flight D1 Singles. Baker will play Teresa Stevens of Western Carolina tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.

In the Flight A2 Doubles, White and McKey defeated Williams/Smyers of Wofford, 8-5, and Walter/Thomas of East Carolina, 8-3, to move on to the third round. They play Brock/Bleakley of NC State tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.

Benson and McMiller beat Abbot/Smith of UNC-Asheville 8-6, but lost to Petovka/Camberos, 8-5, to move to the consolation bracket of the Flight B1 Doubles. They will take on Massey/Sjokist tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Jackson and Baker defeated McDonough/Wicks of High Point, 9-8, to move on to the next round. They will meet up with Bulldog Flescher and her partner Anna Cotton of Appalachian State in the next round of the Flight B2 Doubles. They beat Stocks/Jane of Western Carolina, 8-1, to get to the next round.

“Overall, going 9-4 in the first day of this tournament is truly amazing,” said Head Coach Terri Sisk. “It definitely shows that we have improved, even in the last week. It’s very exciting to see our girls so hungry and ready to win.”

The Bulldogs will start day two of the Wolfpack Invitational early in the morning with a doubles match featuring White and McKey.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Women’s Tennis To Compete In NC State Invitational

--- Bulldogs hope to continue good performance against tough competition ---

Sept. 28, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s tennis team with travel to Raleigh, N.C., to participate in the 2006 Residence Inn North Wolfpack Invitational this weekend, Friday, Sept. 29 – Sunday, Oct. 1.

The Bulldogs will be competing with teams from Appalachian State, Richmond, Coastal Carolina, Wofford, Western Carolina, UNC-Asheville, Winthrop, Charleston Southern, Howard, Gardner-Webb, Liberty, Campbell, High Point, James Madison, East Carolina, and hosts NC State.

Samford had a good showing last weekend in the Roberta Alison Classic hosted by the University of Alabama. Although Samford ended up in the consolation bracket, one Bulldog won the bracket in her draw and a Bulldog duo claimed their consolation bracket as well.

Whitnie Warren won the consolation bracket in the Singles Orange Draw by defeating Courtney Akel of UNC-Greensboro, 6-3, 6-1. Bulldog duo Anna Jackson and Whitnie Warren won the consolation bracket of the Doubles Black Draw.

The Bulldogs had some huge wins over top Southeastern Conference players along with some hard-fought losses. Head Bulldog Coach Terri Sisk is proud of the continued success and progress her team has shown against tough competitors.

Samford is on the verge of being able to really compete with big teams like those of the SEC,” said Sisk. “I’m really excited to go to NC State and see what we can do.”

For full brackets of the 2006 Residence Inn North Wolfpack Invitational, visit the NC State Official Athletic website.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***