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 ***