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 ***