Sept. 13, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Western Carolina defeated South Alabama, 3-1, to win the Union State Bank/Samford Invitational and UAB defeated Samford, 3-1, to finish in second place Saturday evening at Seibert Hall.

WCU (6-3) was led by tournament MVP Shari Harder who had her second triple double of the tournament with 10 kills, 36 assists, and 20 digs in the Catamounts win over South Alabama. Kellyn Thaut, who also earned all-tournament honors, and Sara Komosinski each had 12 kills as WCU took games two, three, and four after dropping the opener.

South Alabama (1-6) dropped all three matches over the week. Kim Courchesne was named to the all-tournament team as she recorded 14 kills and 27 digs in the WCU match. Morgan Flarity had 11 kill and 15 digs for the Jaguars.

In the tournaments final match, UAB defeated Samford 30-23, 22-30, 30-25, and 30-18. The Blazers (3-7) were led by all-tournament team members Martina Shields, who had 12 kills in just two games and Karen Boyd, who had 11 kills. Breanne Swenson had an solid match against Samford posting 10 kills and 19 digs. Isabel Oquendo replaced Shields at the end of game two and finished with 10 kills.

Samford (3-7) placed two players on the all-tournament team. Alyssa Whitehead struggled in the UAB match but finished with 12 kills and 16 digs. Hilary Gary was also named to the team after leading the Bulldogs with 15 kills along with Shannon Smith.

"We need to realize that playing well is in our control," said Samford head coach Kris Dorn. "We have identified the steps it takes to succeed; now we have to follow through and execute."

UAB out-hit Samford in the match .244-.119 and had eight service aces to just five for the Bulldogs.

Samford will return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. at home against Belmont.

All Tournament Team
Shari Harder, WCU, MVP
Kellyn Thaut, WCU
Martina Shields, UAB
Karen Boyd, UAB
Alyssa Whitehead, Samford
Hilary Gary, Samford
Kim Courchesne, USA