Oct. 15, 2002

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Hilary Gary recorded a career-high 24 kills and Alyssa Whitehead added 21 kills and 15 digs but it wasn't enough as Samford fell in Atlantic Sun volleyball action to Georgia State in a grueling five-game match at Seibert Hall Tuesday night.

Georgia State out-hit Samford .278 to .083 in the deciding game as the Lady Panthers won 15-10.

Georgia State (19-11, 7-1 A-Sun) took the first two games 30-23 and 30-25 behind the hitting of Lisa Lykins and Molly Sapp. Lykins finished the night with 18 kills and 10 digs while Sapp had 16 kills. The Panthers recorded 13 service aces on the night to build what they though was a commanding lead.

Samford (9-10, 1-4 A-Sun) battled back valiantly in games three and four winning 30-28 and 30-23. The Bulldogs got back into the match with its passing game. After a shaky first two games, Samford's passing led to a.308 hitting percentage in game three and a .452 percentage in the fourth game. Kristin Berryman had 10 kills and 13 digs and Angela Smith recorded 13 kills to aid in the comeback.

Alyssa White had 21 kills and 15 digs for her eighth double-double of the season

Randi Van Dam had 13 kills and one error in 23 swings for a .522 hitting percentage and Amanda Sapp had 12 kills for Georgia State. Samford out-hit the Lady Panthers for the match .283-.253. The Bulldogs had 10 more digs and two more blocks but GSU's seven more aces proved to be the difference.

"This was your classic case of too little too late," said head coach Kris Dorn. "We are so use to playing the role of the underdog that we forget about getting a lead and keeping it. We have all the tools and we have proved that we can play with good teams. The key to winning still lies within our own minds."

Samford will return to action on Friday as it hosts Stetson in a 7 p.m. match. Georgia State also returns to action on Friday as they host Campbell.