Aug. 30, 2002

Box Score

STATESBORO, Ga. - Samford junior Stefanie Pickett recorded a career high nine block assists to move into sixth place on the Bulldogs all time blocking list but it was not enough as the Bulldogs dropped their opening match to Western Kentucky, 3-0, at the Georgia Southern Invitational Friday morning.

Western Kentucky's Amanda Schiff had 15 kills in 26 swings for a .462 hitting percentage to lead the Hilltoppers to a 30-23, 30-20, 30-20 victory. WKU held the edge in hitting .263- .050 and had 11 service aces against the Bulldogs.

Sophomores Hilary Gary and Brooke Berryman who each had six kills led Samford offensively. Alyssa Whitehead and Pickett added five kills. Whitehead also contributed 10 digs. Blocking was the positive head coach Kris Dorn took from the match.

"We blocked the ball well, Stefanie (Pickett) always plays hard and gives a great effort. Our serve receive let us down this morning but we have to put it behind us and be mentally tough against Georgia Southern this afternoon," said Dorn.

Pickett now has 186 career block assists moving past Heather Burke who had 177 blocks from 1994-97. Pickett is now five blocks shy of Whitney Miller who collected 191 blocks from 1998-2001 and is in fifth place all-time.

Samford has little time to think about the loss as it returns to the court Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET to face tournament host Georgia Southern. The Eagles won the Southern Conference crown last season posting a 22-12 record.