Samford Volleyball Honors Players In Post-Season Banquet

--- Dempski, Gardner, Gay receive team awards ---

Dec. 12, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball held is post-season banquet Sunday, Dec. 10 at McCormick and Schmidt Seafood Restaurants. Awards, voted on by the players, were presented to players who made outstanding contributions to the team this season.

Sophomore defensive specialist Courtney Gay was named Most Valuable Player for the Samford volleyball team. Gay averaged 5.9 assists per game and 2.7 digs per game during the 2006 campaign. She is currently ranked ninth on the Samford career assists record with 606 assists in her two years as a Bulldog. Gay had 15 double-figure-digs matches and 17 double-figure-assists matches during 2006, while garnering a career high 55 assists at Austin Peay on Sept. 22. She also ranks ninth in the OVC in assists with 9.75/gm.

“Courtney Gay stepped into big shoes when Jackie went down with a knee injury and did a tremendous job of running the team,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban. “She gained so much confidence this year and I think her teammates acknowledge that with the MVP award.”

The Bulldogs named defensive specialist Sarah Gardner the Most Improved Player for the 2006 season. Gardner saw her first collegiate volleyball action this year as a red-shirt freshman. She averaged 3.9 digs per game this season, and had 20 double-figure-digs matches as well. She posted a career high 29 digs at South Alabama Sept. 9, just eight shy of a single-match record. Gardner is currently ranked second in single-season digs as she grabbed 412 in 2006, and she in a three-way tie for 10th place in the single season record for assists with 55.

“Sarah Gardner played a variety of roles (OH, DS, L) this year for this team,” Durban said. “The one constant was she continually worked to improve her skills. I think that you could definitely see her get more comfortable in the Libero role as the year progressed.”

Junior middle blocker Angela Dempski was presented with the Bulldog Sprit Award.

“The Bulldog Spirit Award is very special because it recognizes the player who goes the extra effort every day in all aspects of the game (student, practice, games, conditioning, weights) and is willing to push her teammates at the same time,” Durban said. “Angela Dempski worked hard all summer and was able to continue it through the fall to earn this award.”

Dempski averaged 1.2 kpg and posted 14 block solos and 51 block assists on the year. She is currently eighth on the Samford career block assists list with 199.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Runner Competes In NCAA Cross Country Championships

--- Herring tries for national title ---

Nov. 20, 2006

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. ---- Samford University cross country runner Katherine Herring competed in the NCAA Division I Cross Country Championships Monday. Herring placed 248th in the competition, running the 6K course in 24:29. She was one of 36 of over 250 runners that were the only representatives in the competition for their schools.

The Bulldog runner placed 21st in the NCAA South Regional on Nov. 11, in Knoxville, Tenn., to earn her a spot in the National Championship race. She ran the 6K regional race in 22:05.04, making her the only Bulldog to land in the top 25.

Herring was named the Ohio Valley Conference Female Athlete of the Year, while also taking individual conference title at the OVC Cross Country Championships on Oct. 28, in Clarksville, Tenn. She was also named the OVC Runner of the Week three times during the season.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS***

Bulldog Runner To Participate In NCAA Cross Country National Championship

--- Herring qualifies to compete for national title ---

Nov. 13, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford cross country runner Katherine Herring has been selected to compete in the NCAA Cross Country National Championship hosted by Indiana State University. After placing in the top 25 at the NCAA South Regional in Knoxville, Tenn., Herring qualified Sunday for a spot to run for the national title on Monday, Nov. 20.

Herring placed 21st in the NCAA South Regional, making her the top runner for the Bulldogs on the day. She ran the 6K race in 22:05.04, being the only Bulldog runner to land in the top 25.

“Katherine Herring has worked extremely hard to get to this level,” Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. “She was very disciplined and dedicated in her summer training. She knew this was her last year of running collegiate cross country and she wanted it to be a phenomenal year – it was. She was named conference “runner of the week” three times. This outstanding accomplishment reflects Katherine’s attitude. She will do whatever it takes to achieve success. She is an awesome young lady. It has been a great pleasure to work with her.”

Indiana State University will host the 2006 NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships, November 20, at the LaVern Gibson Championship Course located at the Wabash Valley Family Sports Center, Terre Haute, Indiana. The women’s race will begin at noon Eastern time followed by the men’s race at 1:15 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Runner Lands In Top 25 At NCAA South Regional

--- Katherine Herring possible qualifier for national championships ---

Nov. 11, 2006

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ---- Samford cross country runner Katherine Herring finished 21st in the NCAA South Regional hosted by the University of Tennessee Saturday at the Lambert Acres Golf Club in Knoxville, Tenn. Herring, who ran the 6K course in 22:05.4, will find out Sunday if she qualifies to run in the NCAA National Championship Competition, Monday, Oct. 20, hosted by Indiana State University.

“Katherine (Herring) ran very well for us today,” Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. “We are very excited about her chances of making it to nationals and I’m very pleased with her success this year.”

Samford had six women and seven men competing in Saturday’s race. Joining Katherine Herring in the top 100 runners was Robyn DeBenedet at 90th, running 24:16.5. Katie Almand followed behind in 112th with a time of 25:07.6, and Lauren Pilcher came in at 117th with a time of 25:14.4. Rounding out the Samford women was Jessica Van Ausdall in 128th place, running 25:39.2. Bulldog runner Britney Almaguer was plagued with back spasms in the middle of the race and was forced to drop out.

Leading the Samford men was Drew Anderwald, who placed 58th, running the 10K course in 33:31.6. Cameron Bean and Bo Brawner came in second and third respectively for the Bulldogs, finishing 79th and 80th overall with times of 34:18.3 and 34:18.7. Michael Hanson, who ran 35:00.2, came in at 108th, and Chas Keithan finished at 129th with a time of 36:13.6.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Honors Senior In Final Match Of Season

--- Bulldogs can’t get past Panthers ---

Nov. 11, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team closed out the 2006 campaign Saturday as they honored senior Callaway Logan and took on the Panthers of Eastern Illinois. Samford fell to Eastern Illinois in a close five-game match as the Panthers took three out of five from the Bulldogs.

Samford (6-24, 1-15 OVC) dominated the first two games. The Bulldogs came out hard in the first game, taking an early six point lead with kills by middle blockers Angela Dempski and Jen Powers and outside hitter Sara Sears. Outside hitter Katie Luckman added a service ace. Eastern Illinois (8-19, 3-13 OVC) tried to close the gap several times, but was only able to get within three points. Samford would extend the lead out to nine and go on to win, 30-21.

Game two was almost a replay of game one, but it was Eastern Illinois that would take the early lead. Samford would not let them have it for long, as the game was tied on an EIU error and the Bulldogs took over with a kill by right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr. The Bulldogs lead by as much as 12 at one point, and eventually took game two, 30-21.

After the break, Eastern Illinois regrouped and came out with a ready to play. The Panthers jumped out with the lead, putting the first three points on the board. However, Samford answered back to tied the game on a service ace by defensive specialist Sarah Gardner. Eastern Illinois would not give up the lead, putting five more points on the board before Samford tied it again and took the lead. Three straight kills by Sears put the Bulldogs on top, along with a kill by Dempski to take the two-point lead. The Panthers kept the game close never letting the Bulldogs get ahead by more the three. With the score tied at 29, Samford served for match point, but two EIU kills and a service ace would put the Panthers back in the match with a 31-29 win.

After the game three win, the momentum shifted in favor of the Panthers. Eastern Illinois came out with the early six-point lead and never looked back. Samford was able to trim the EIU lead to five several times on kills by Sears and outside hitter Alyssa Trimpe, but the Panthers would push the lead out to 12 and go on to win, 30-18.

In the fifth and final game, the Panthers went on a 8-1 run to take the early seven-point lead. Samford could not keep up with Eastern Illinois, and the Panthers would take the match in the fifth game with a score of 15-7.

“Today, especially in games one and two, I felt like the team did a nice job,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We competed hard today. What we talked to the team about after the match was over was that we have to remember this match as a starting point for our spring, and be able to change those little things and listen and do one little thing differently every time we are out there. That will give us the opportunity to win the match, and then next year, when we do have the full compliment of players to be able to do that.”

Sears led the Bulldogs, matching her career-high kills record with 25 kills. She also added two service aces and 13 digs, while tallying 27 points for Samford. Trimpe followed right behind grabbing a double-double with 12 kills and a team high 18 digs. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay tagged a career-high 43 assists, while adding 12 digs to the Bulldogs stats. Two more Bulldogs joined the double-digits-digs club, as Gardner posted 15 digs and Luckman nabbed 12. Stangohr led Samford in blocks with two block solos and 2 block assists. Dempski added three blocks to the teams eight on the day.

“Sara Sears played well today,” said Durban. “That’s what we’ve been waiting for all year. It’s been great to see Sara progressing this last month. This season I really have felt like she is really starting to get it. That’s really good to see coming from a sophomore going into her junior year. We are hoping that that will continue, and if that happens, our future is very bright for next year.”

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Runners To Compete In NCAA South Regionals

--- Bulldog men and women compete for national title ---

Nov. 10, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Members of the Samford men’s and women’s cross country teams will head to Knoxville, Tenn., this weekend to compete in the NCAA Cross Country South Regional hosted by the University of Tennessee. Seven Bulldog men and five Bulldog women will run for a chance at a national title.

Leading the Samford women on Saturday will be OVC Female Athlete of the Year Katherine Herring.

“Katherine has had an awesome year,” Samford head coach Glenn McWaters said. “She was selected conference runner of the week three times during the regular season. She won the conference and was selected as the Female Athlete of the Year.”

Joining Herring will be All-OVC first team member Britney Almaguer, and All-OVC second team member Robyn DeBenedet. Also running for the Samford women are Katie Almand and Lauren Pilcher.

“This is rebuilding year for our women,” said McWaters, “as everyone but Katherine will return next year. We have also been decimated by an unusual number of injuries. This will be our first race of the season over 6,000 meters. Our other races have been over 5,000 meters. We hope to break into the top 10 at Regionals.”

Competing for the men are All-OVC second team honorees Cameron Bean and Drew Anderwald. Joining them will be Michael Hanson, Bo Brawner, and three freshman, Blaise Carie, Chas Keithan, and Patrick Ollinger.

“This is a very young team with no seniors,” said McWaters. “For our three freshmen – Blaise (Carie), Chas (Keithan), and Patrick (Ollinger) – this will be their first time to ever run 10,000 meters. All of our other races have been 8,000 meters. The addition of 1¼ miles is extremely challenging.

Our men are currently ranked ninth in the South Region. We hope to run well enough in Knoxville to improve on that ranking.”

Throughout the year the men have run 8K and the women have run 5K. The South Region course will consist of a 10K trail for the men and a 6K trail for the women.

“The South Regional course is extremely hilly and challenging,” said McWaters. “It will not produce fast times. Our team will have to show patience, but at the same time, they must run aggressively. I feel that both teams will perform well.”

Lambert Acres Golf Club will serve as the host course for the NCAA South Regional. The women will run first, scheduled for a 10 a.m. ET start. The men will follow, starting at 11 a.m. ET. For results, check www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Falls To Southeast Missouri

--- Bulldogs can’t keep the Redhawks from tournament ---

Nov. 10, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team took on the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri Friday night in hopes to spoil the Redhawks’ chances of getting into the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. The Samford effort failed as Southeast Missouri overtook the Bulldogs in three straight games.

Samford and Southeast Missouri came out ready to play. Each team had much to gain and lose with the outcome of this match. Samford was looking to break the eight-match skid it has been on since its last home victory over Austin Peay, while also hoping to prevent the Redhawks from getting any closer to the OVC Tournament. With a win tonight, Southeast Missouri moved one step closer to getting an OVC Tournament berth, but with a loss, that hope would be lost.

The Redhawk effort would be enough to take that step, as they defeated Samford 30-21, 30-25, and 30-22. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs pulled together and played an incredible game. Junior middle blocker Angela Dempski, sophomore middle blocker Jen Powers, and sophomore outside hitter Sara Sears stepped up for big for the Bulldogs in their last evening home match of the 2006 season.

“I thought Angela Dempski did a very good job tonight,” said Samford head coach Michelle Durban. “We worked on blocking this week in practice and she really implemented what we were talking about, in terms of taking what we were doing in practice to the match tonight. I think she did a nice job of controlling the net for us.

I think Jen (Powers) did a great job of hitting high arms swings. She did a phenomenal job at practice this week and was able to translate it to the match. I think, overall, Sara Sears played an all-around good game, and that was good to see, especially with this being the last weekend of play.”

Samford will conclude the season Saturday at 2 p.m., as it takes on the Panthers of Eastern Illinois. This will be the final game for the Bulldogs in Seibert Hall and it will also be Senior Day. Samford will say goodbye to its only senior, outside hitter/defensive specialist Callaway Logan, as they honor her for her accomplishments and thank her for her hard work and dedication.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Wraps Up Season Honoring Only Senior

--- Bulldogs take on Southeast Missouri, Eastern Illinois in final home matches ---

Nov. 9, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will conclude its 2006 campaign Friday and Saturday with its final matches of the regular season, taking on Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois. The Bulldogs will also honor their only senior, defensive specialist Callaway Logan.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to play in front of our home crowd one more weekend this year,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We are looking to send Callaway (Logan) out on a positive note.”

Logan, a native of Louisville, Ky., garnered her first career kill on Sept. 6, 2003 against Virginia Commonwealth, the same match in which she captured a career high 27 digs while only a freshman. As a sophomore, Callaway recorded her highest hitting percentage against West Coast powerhouse UCLA, hitting .593. In the same year, she had seven double-figure kill matches and 11 double-figure digs matches.

Logan worked her way to three double-doubles, with her first coming against Chattanooga at 12 kills and 19 digs. In her junior season, Callaway lead the Bulldogs in digs with 396, and recorded Samford’s third highest single season total. She was also named to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2004 and 2005.

“Callaway has worked very hard to make this program better while she has been here,” said Durban. “She is a great example of what a student-athlete should strive to be. It is unfortunate that she was unable to finish her senior year on the court, but has still added many things to this program over the last four years.”

Southeast Missouri enters this weekend one game out of conference tournament contention. The Redhawks currently sit at seventh place in the Ohio Valley Conference; the top six teams make it to the tournament. Southeast Missouri needs to win its final matches against Samford and Jacksonville State to be eligible for tournament play. Samford hopes to defeat Southeast Missouri Friday night, keeping the Redhawks out of the tournament and breaking the eight-match skid the Bulldogs have been on.

When the Bulldogs and Redhawks met earlier this season, it was a four-game match. Southeast Missouri defeated Samford, 3-1.

“SEMO is fighting to get into the OVC tourney right now so this is a big weekend for them so we need to come out and play well from the beginning,” said Durban. “We went four with them last time and hope to have another good match.”

Eastern Illinois comes off a winless week as they fell to Southeast Missouri and Tennessee Tech. Despite the losses, the Panthers had put on an amazing defensive performance, tallying 102 versus Southeast Missouri, marking the sixth time this season they have exceeded the century mark in a match. The Panthers are led my junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Eliza Zwettler, last week’s offensive player of the week. Zwettler tallied 39 digs last week, including a career-high 29 digs in the loss at Southeast Missouri.

This season’s first meeting between these two teams was a three-game match in which Eastern Illinois snapped a 13-match loss streak. Samford hopes to even the series with a win in its last match of the season in front of a home crowd.

“EIU did a nice job against us last time,” said Durban. “We hope to turn the tables on them this time, as this will be both teams’ last match of the year.”

Match play against Southeast Missouri will begin Friday at 7 p.m. Saturday, Bulldogs will honor senior Callaway Logan before the first serve, which will be at 2 p.m.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Golf Finishes Fall With Best Tournament Showing

--- Reed Davis walks with second place; Bulldogs tie for fourth ---

Nov. 5, 2006

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. ---- The Samford University men’s golf team had their best tournament round of the fall season Sunday in the Western Carolina Intercollegiate held at the Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. The Bulldogs climbed two spots from yesterday to take fourth place, with Reed Davis leading the pack.

“This is the best round of golf, as well as the best tournament, we have played all fall,” Samford head coach Woodie Eubanks said. “We really need this round today. It was good finish to a tough fall season, and I’m really proud of our guys.”

Samford improved four strokes in the last round, shooting a combined 289 to finish with a two-day total of 592. Individually, Reed Davis jumped 12 spots to second place with an amazing last round. Davis shot an impressive 69 on the day, bring his total to 143.

Andrew Villarreal moved up a spot to 19th place, while Bradley Pate dropped right on the edge of the top 20 to 21st place. Pate and Villarreal were tied for 20th place at the end of play Saturday. Villarreal improved two shots, shooting 73, while Pate improved one shot, shooting 74.

Rounding out the Bulldog team were Jeremy Cox and John Turnipseed. Cox moved up seven spot to finish in a tie for 40th place, shooting 82-73 = 155, and Turnipseed improved three spots landing at 54th place, shooting a steady 79 in both rounds.

“I was very impressed with how our guys played today,” said Eubanks. “I was very pleased, especially with Reed (Davis) and Bradley (Pate). Those guys have been very consistent for us this fall. I think we are ready for the spring so we can see what we can do in the conference.”

Samford tied with host team Western Carolina, while Wofford took the top spot. Winthrop jumped up two spots to take the second place spot, and Longwood University climbed three spots to fourth place.

The Bulldogs will kick off the spring campaign at the end of February. They will compete in the West Florida Tournament February 26-27.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Golf At The Middle Of The Pack At WCU Intercollegiate

--- Bulldogs in sixth place after two rounds of tournament ---

Nov. 4, 2006

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. ---- The Samford men’s golf team sits at sixth place after two rounds in the first day of the Western Carolina Intercollegiate held at the Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. This is the last tournament for the Bulldogs’ fall season.

Samford shot 15 over with a combined 303 Saturday, while still landing three Bulldogs in the top 20. Reed Davis is tied at 14th place shooting two over with a first day total of 74, 35 in the first round and 39 in the second. Bradley Pate and Andrew Villarreal are tied at 20th, shooting 75. Pate shot 35 in round one and 40 in round two, while Villerreal shot 38 and 37. In a tie at 47th is John Turnipseed, shooting 38-41 = 79, and rounding out the Samford team is Jeremy Cox in a tie for 54th, shooting 37-45 = 82.

Leading the field is host team Western Carolina, followed by Wofford and Ohio Valley Conference opponent Tennessee Tech tied at second. Winthrop sits at fourth, while High Point holds onto the fifth place spot.

Samford will wrap up play in the Western Carolina Intercollegiate, as well as the fall season, Sunday morning. For recap of the events from day two go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Goes Winless On The Road

--- Bulldogs fall to Tennessee-Martin, 3-0, in last road match ---

Nov. 4, 2006

MARTIN, Tenn. ---- The Samford volleyball team will end the season without a win on the road. The Bulldogs fell in their last road match at UT Martin Saturday, 3-0. Samford falls to 6-22 overall, 1-13 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Samford led UT Martin (17-12, 6-8 OVC) early in the first game with a service ace by defensive specialist Sarah Gardner and kills by middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski, outside hitter Sara Sears, and right side hitter Sheridan Stangohr. The Skyhawks, however, would not let the Bulldogs get too far ahead as the tied the score several times and eventually took the lead. UT Martin went on a 7-0 run to take the six point lead, and soon extended that lead to 16, winning by a score of 30-14.

Freshman outside hitter Katie Luckman put the Bulldogs on the board first in game two with a game opening service ace. UT Martin would answer back, though, and take control of the game. Samford kept it close before the Skyhawks took a nine point lead. The Bulldogs tried to close that gap, but UT Martin kept the lead, winning 30-21.

The Skyhawks had the lead throughout game three. Samford played them close until mid-game, when UT Martin extended at two point lead out to nine points. The Bulldogs would not be able to catch up and the Skyhawks would win, 30-21.

Outside hitters Alyssa Trimpe and Sara Sears led the Bulldogs will seven kills each, while Sosnowski and Stangohr both posted for blocks on the day. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay tallied 25 assists, and Gardner grabbed nine digs, followed by Trimpe and Sears with eight digs each.

Samford will return home for its season finale at home. The Bulldogs will take on OVC opponents Southeast Missouri Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m., and Eastern Illinois Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2:00 p.m. On Saturday, Samford will honor its only senior Bulldog, Callaway Logan.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Golf To Finish Fall Play In Western Carolina Tournament

--- Bulldogs look to end the fall campaign on a good note ---

Nov. 3, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford University men’s golf team will wrap up its fall campaign as it competes in the Western Carolina University Intercollegiate on Saturday and Sunday. The tournament will be hosted at the Etowah Valley Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C.

The Bulldogs look to end the fall campaign on a good note as they try to repeat their incredible performance from two weeks ago in the Austin Peay Tournament. The Samford men had their best tournament of the fall season as they finished fifth overall, while Bradley Pate took third place.

Samford comes off a hometown tournament at Birmingham-Southern where it took seventh place in the field. Reed Davis and Bradley Pate finished in the top 20, taking sixth and 14th, respectively.

For a recap of events from the tournament, go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Fall To Murray On The Road

--- Bulldogs wrap up final road trip Saturday against UT Martin ---

Nov. 3, 2006

MURRAY, Ky. ---- The Samford volleyball team dropped its first match of its last road trip Friday night to the Racers of Murray State. The Bulldogs fell to the Racers in three straight games, making this their third straight loss to an opponent in three games.

Samford (6-21, 1-12 OVC) played Murray State (17-6, 9-4 OVC) close in the first game keeping the score tied at the first three points on kills by Katie Luckman, Jen Powers, and Sara Sears. The Bulldogs finally took the lead on a kill by sophomore middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski, and then a Racer error extended the Samford lead to two (6-4). However, Murray State would come back to tie the score at eight and take over the game. The Bulldogs tried to keep the gap within two, but the Racers would drive it out to eight, and eventually thirteen. Murray State won game one, 30-17.

In game two, the Racers took the first point but Samford quickly caught up on a kill by outside hitter Sears and a bad set on Racer setter Cassie Chesney. Again, the Bulldogs tried to stay within two point of Murray State, but Racers would not let the gap widen. Murray State extended the lead to seven, then 12, and would go on the win the game, 30-14.

Murray State took the early lead in game three and took a quick nine point lead. The Bulldogs would then close the gap to six on a kill by defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay and back-to-back kills by Sears. However, the Racers would not give up control of the game, going on to win the game and match, 30-22.

Leading the Bulldogs was Gay, posting 21 assists and 18 digs. Sears added nine digs, while Luckman had 14 digs and defensive specialist Sara Gardner had 11 digs. The Bulldogs out-blocked the Racers, 5-3.

Samford will take on the Skyhawks of Tennessee-Martin in Martin, Tenn., tomorrow at 2 p.m. This will cap off the final road trip for the Bulldogs. They will then return home to face Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Prepares For Road Finale

--- Bulldogs take on Murray State and Tennessee-Martin on final road trip ---

Nov. 2, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team will play its last two road matches of the season this Friday and Saturday at Murray State and Tennessee-Martin. This will be the first meeting of these teams since last season.

Samford last met the Racers of Murray State and the Skyhawks of UT Martin a year ago in Seibert Hall on the Samford campus. The Bulldogs took both opponents to five games, and eventually fell, 3-2, to the Racers. However, the Bulldogs would come out victorious over the Skyhawks.

Murray state leads the series with Samford, 2-1. The Bulldogs are looking to even the series this Friday. The Skyhawks lead the series by five games (7-2), and Samford hopes to close that gap Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs are coming of a winless week at home as they dropped three-game matches to Jacksonville State and Tennessee Tech. Murray State has lost its last three contests, dropping two of those last week to Eastern Kentucky (3-1) and Morehead State (3-0). UT Martin fell last week to Lipscomb (3-2), Morehead State (3-1), and Eastern Kentucky (3-0). The Skyhawks have now lost their last five games.

Match play with the Racers is set for 7 p.m. on Friday night, and then the Bulldogs will take on the Skyhawks at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf Ends Fall Play On A Good Note

--- Bulldogs improve one spot to ninth place in the Troy Intercollegiate ---

Oct. 31, 2006

TROY, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team jumped up one spot from Monday to ninth in the final day of the Troy Women’s Intercollegiate. The Bulldogs improved seven strokes in the second round, bring their total score to 318-311 = 616.

Katelyn Stanier was the top player for the Bulldogs again in this tournament. Stanier finished at 32nd place, shooting 76-80 = 156. Heather Arnold improved to 37th place from her first round spot at 46th by shooting 77 in the second round, bring her total to 157. Courtney Warr (83-76 = 159) jumped 13 places to 48th place, improving seven strokes from Monday.

Rounding out the Samford team were Maria Troche (84-78 = 162) at 55th place, and Kellie O’Connell (79-84 = 163) at 61st place. Playing as an individual was Stephanie Larson who finished 66th, shooting 80-86 = 166.

“I challenged the team last night to go out and perform better today and that’s what they did,” Samford head coach Ian Thompson said. “We ended the semester on a decent note. Our stroke average is already 10 strokes better than last year, and both freshmen have each shot an individual round under par. We are on track to have a good spring campaign.”

Samford take a break until February when they begin to prepare for the spring season.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Golf Finish Seventh In Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Reed Davis jumps eight spots to tie for sixth place ---

Oct. 31, 2006

McCALLA, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s golf team finished in a tie for seventh place with the University of Evansville Tuesday after the final round of the Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown hosted by Birmingham-Southern College at the Bent Brook Golf Course in McCalla, Ala.

The Samford men’s first team finished the two-day event with a combined score of 861, shooting 287 on the day. The second team finished in a tie for 15th place with Savannah State, shooting a combined 907, and 309 on the day.

Samford’s Reed Davis stayed among the top 20 players as he tied for sixth place, having his best round of the tournament Tuesday as he shot 68 to bring his total score to 209. Bradley Pate jumped 16 spots to replace teammate John Turnipseed for the second Bulldog spot in the top 20. Pate, shooting a combined 212, went from 30th on Monday to 14th on Tuesday after shooting 68 in the third round, giving him his best round of the tournament. Turnipseed fell from 19th to 43rd after shooting 77 in the third round. His final scores were 73-69-77 = 219. Jeremy Cox (77-73-74 = 224) landed at 59th, and Andrew Villerreal (74-78-78 = 230) finished in 79th place.

Taylor Dorner led the way for the second Samford team. Dorner finished at 63rd place, shooting 78 on the day with a total of 225. David Hewellege (76-74-78 = 228) finished in 73rd, Clint Calvert (78-75-78 = 231) at 80th, Bobby Baird (77-80-75 = 232) at 83rd, and Christopher Johnston (75-74-85 = 234) at 86th.

Ohio Valley Conference opponent Murray State took first place in the tournament, followed by Southern Illinois, Birmingham-Southern, and Berry College. Rounding out the top five was Wofford College. Tennessee Tech finished in sixth place, only seven strokes ahead of Samford.

The Bulldogs will wrap up their fall campaign this weekend, Nov. 4 and 5, as they travel to Hendersonville, N.C., to participate in the Western Carolina Intercollegiate hosted by Western Carolina University at the Etowah Valley Country Club.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf Sits At 10th After One Day Of Play

--- Bulldogs wrapping up fall play at Troy Women’s Intercollegiate ---

Oct. 30, 2006

TROY, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team sits at 10th place out of 15 teams after round one of the second annual Troy University Women’s Intercollegiate Monday. The tournament is being held at the Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery, Ala.

“It was a great day to play golf,” Samford head coach Ian Thompson said. “It was a beautiful, sunny day in Montgomery.”

Samford shot a combined 310 as a team in the first round of the tournament. South Alabama leads the field followed by Louisiana-Monroe, Austin Peay, Belmont, and Murray State rounding out the top five. Bulldogs golfer Katelyn Stanier is currently in a seven-way tie for 20th place, shooting 76 on the day.

“Katelyn had a good round today,” said Thompson. “She just struggled a little bit at the end. She was one over with three holes left and just lost it on the last hole. She still did well. If everyone had shot 76, we would be in better shape. We should have been in the low 300s. We just didn’t play well. Tomorrow, we need to go out and play better and hopefully we can get up to the top five.”

Also playing for the Bulldogs is Kellie O’Connell, who is in a tie for 39th place after the first day, shooting 79. Heather Arnold shot 80 to put her in a tie with Stephanie Larson, who is playing as an individual for Samford. Courtney Warr shot 83 to put her in a tie for 61st, while Maria Troche shot 84 to place her in a tie for 63rd.

The Bulldog women will resume play Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. This will conclude competition in the Troy Women’s Intercollegiate as well as Samford’s fall campaign.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Men’s Golf In Top Ten At Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Bulldogs sit at seventh place after first round in Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown ---

Oct. 30, 2006

McCALLA, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s golf team finished in seventh place Monday after two rounds of golf in the Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown hosted by Birmingham-Southern College. The tournament is being held at the Bent Brook Golf Course in McCalla, Ala.

The Samford men shot a combined score of 574, with 291 in the first round and 283 in the second round. The Bulldogs are only 12 shots shy of being one of the top five teams.

Samford landed two players in the top 20. Reed Davis is tied for 14th place, shooting one under at 72 -69 = 141. John Turnipseed is tied at 19th place, shooting par with scores of 73-69 = 142. Bradley Pate shot a 72 in both rounds to bring him to at tie at 30th with a total score of 144, and rounding out the Bulldog team is Jeremy Cox at 64th (77-73 = 150) and Andrew Villarreal at 72nd (74-78 = 152).

Samford also fielded a second team that sits at 16th place after day one. Taylor Dorner leads that team tied at 53rd place (74-73 = 147) followed by Christopher Johnson at 59th (75-74 =149), David Hewellege at 64th (76-74 = 150), Clint Calvert at 75th (78-75 = 153), and Bobby Baird at 87th (77-80 = 157).

The final round of the Buffalo Rock/Southern Showdown is scheduled for an 8 a.m. shotgun start on Tuesday.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Women’s Tennis Concludes Fall Play On A Good Note

--- Bulldogs dominate Birmingham-Southern Tournament ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s tennis team wrapped up its fall campaign with an outstanding performance in the Birmingham-Southern Tournament this weekend. Match play was delayed a day due to rain on Friday, but the Bulldogs enjoyed pleasant weather conditions Saturday and Sunday as they resumed play.

The Samford women defeated Belmont, 5-2, Saturday, and Birmingham-Southern, 4-0, Sunday.

“I am extremely pleased with our performance this weekend,” Samford head coach Terri Sisk said. “In my five years of coaching here at Samford, this is the best fall that we have had.

There were a lot of quality teams in this tournament,” said Sisk, “especially Belmont. That was an amazing win for us.”

The Bulldogs will kick off their spring campaign Feb. 24, as they travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia State.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Tennis Wraps Up Fall Play With Success In BSC Tournament

--- Bulldogs go 12-2 on the weekend in hometown tournament ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s tennis team brought a close to the fall campaign this weekend with a great performance in the Birmingham-Southern Tournament. The Bulldog men went defeated Jacksonville State, 5-2, and Birmingham-Southern, 7-0, Saturday.

Against Jacksonville State, Bulldog duo Renan Silveira and Sam Huffman defeated Duke/Robinson, 8-3. Hank Grant and Stuart Misner beat Unkenholz/Amores, 8-3, while Manuel Miletic and Brian Dushock beat Vaccarin/Olmedo, 8-2.

In singles, Misner defeated Vaccarin (6-1, 6-3), Grant beat Duke (7-5, 6-3), Huffman won over Unkenholz (6-1, 6-0), and Bradley Weaver took down Olmedo (6-1, 6-3). Silveira fell to Roberson in two sets of 7-5, and Miletic lost to Amores in three sets (6-2, 3-6, 10-8).

Against Birmingham-Southern, Misner/Grant tagged an 8-1 win over Locandro/Mabry, and Weaver/Thomas defeated Crockett/Freeman, 8-3. Huffman /Silveira fell to Walsh/Engler, 8-7.

In singles, Silveira defeated Engler (6-2, 6-1), Misner won over Walsh (6-1, 6-1), Grant beat Locandro (6-0, 7-6), Miletic took down Mabry (6-2, 6-1), Huffman beat Crockett (6-2, 6-0), and Dushock defeated Freeman (6-3, 6-2).

The Samford men will begin the spring campaign as they travel to Orange Beach, Ala., to participate in the Orange Beach Tennis Classic, Jan. 3 – Jan. 6.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Women’s Golf To Compete In Troy Invitational

--- Bulldogs wrap up fall play with Troy Tournament ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford women’s golf team with conclude play for the fall campaign Monday and Tuesday as they compete in the second annual Troy Women’s Intercollegiate at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery.

A field of 15 teams will hit the par-72, 5,850-yard course Monday morning. New Orleans is the defending team champion, while Shauna McVeigh, now an assistant coach at Troy, won medalist honors at the inaugural event.

Joining Samford and host Troy will be Louisiana-Monroe, South Alabama, Western Kentucky, Austin Peay, Belmont, Centenary, Jackson State, Jacksonville State, Murray State, Nicholls State, Northern Colorado, and Tennessee State.

Tournament play will consist of 18 holes each day, starting at 8 a.m. Results will be available immediately following play at www.troytrojans.com, while recap of the events will be posted at www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Men’s Golf To Play In Birmingham-Southern Tournament

--- Bulldogs look to top outstanding performance from last week ---

Oct. 29, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford men’s golf team take to the links of the Bent Brook Golf Course Monday as they participate in the Buffalo Rock Southern Showdown hosted by cross-town rival Birmingham-Southern.

The Bulldogs come off their best tournament play of the fall campaign as they took their first top five finish of the fall in the F&M Bank Intercollegiate last week hosted by Austin Peay. The Bulldogs finished in fifth place shooting a combined 880. Bradley Pate finished third for the Bulldogs, but was in first place after two rounds in the first day of the tournament.

For results and full recap of the Bulldogs’ standings in the tournament, go to www.samfordsports.com.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***

Samford Volleyball Falls To Tennessee Tech

--- Bulldogs’ fight not enough to even the series ---

Oct. 27, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford volleyball team ended its home stint Friday with a three-game loss to Tennessee Tech. The Bulldogs fall to 6-20 overall, 1-11 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Samford (6-20, 1-11 OVC) played Tennessee Tech (9-14, 6-5 OVC) close in the first game, with the score tied at every point until the Bulldogs took the lead on a service ace by outside hitter Sara Sears. Samford pushed the lead out to three, but after a Tennessee Tech timeout, the Golden Eagles came back to tie the game at 15 on a service ace by Libero Katie Kenline. The Golden Eagles went on a 15-5 run, and won game one, 30-20.

In game two, Tennessee Tech jumped out to an early four-point lead, before Samford got on the board on a kill by middle blocker Kirstein Sosnowski. The Bulldogs fought to keep the lead tight, but the Golden Eagles drove out to 11. Samford charged back to bring the gap to three on kills by Sosnowski and a service ace by defensive specialist Sarah Gardner. Tennessee Tech would extend the lead once more to six, before the Bulldogs closed it back to four. The Golden Eagles, however, would take game two, 30-26.

In the third and final game, Samford and Tennessee Tech fought for the early lead. With the game tied at five, the Bulldogs pulled ahead on kills by outside hitters Alyssa Trimpe and Sara Sears. However, it would not take long for the Golden Eagles to tie up the game at eight and take over. TTU lead by three before Samford tied the game at 13 with a kill by Sosnowski and then again at 14 with a kill by Sears, but the Golden Eagles would not give up the lead. The Bulldogs fought hard to get ahead again, getting within one point of tieing TTU. However, Tennessee Tech would push the lead out to five, taking the game, 30-25.

Leading the Bulldogs tonight in hitting was Sosnowski with a .550 percentage, hitting .727 in the second game alone. She also contributed 12 kills and 13 points, while Sears posted led in both of those categories with 16 kills and 18 points. Middle blocker Angela Dempski hit .400, adding three block assists, and Gardner posted three service aces and nine digs. Defensive specialist/setter Courtney Gay had 37 assists.

“I was very happy with the way Kirstein (Sosnowski) came out and played, and once Angela (Dempski) was put in, I felt like her energy gave us a spark,” Samford head coach Michelle Durban said. “We are still trying to get this young team to understand that everyone has to be involved and everyone has to have that same intensity.”

Next, the Bulldogs head out on the road for their last two road games of the season. Samford will take on Murray State Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m., and UT Martin Saturday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs will then return home for their home finale against Southeast Missouri and Eastern Illinois.

*** SAMFORD BULLDOGS ***