BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The Samford University volleyball team opens Southern Conference play on Friday, Sept. 26, against the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tennessee at 5 p.m.

The Bulldogs (5-7) have concluded its grueling tournament schedule for the year and are ready to dive in head first into SoCon play. Historically SU has had success in conference openers as the team holds a 4-2 record in the initial SoCon match of the season.

Also, historically Samford has had success against Chattanooga (7-8) as the Bulldogs hold a healthy 22-10 overall record over the Mocs. SU split matches with UTC in the regular season last year as Chattanooga took the first 3-0 on their home court while the Bulldogs responded with a 3-1 victory inside the Pete Hanna Center later that year.

Last week sophomore Erin Bognar continued her exceptional play as she led the Bulldogs in kills each match this weekend which propelled her to her first SoCon Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week award. Samford went 2-1 at the 2014 Ole Miss Rebel Classic and brought back wins over Lamar University and Jackson State University. SU's only loss came at the hands of Ole Miss who remained undefeated on the season.

Senior Michaela Reesor continues her march to become Samford's all-time career leader in kills. The Caledon, Ontario, Canada native leads the team with 155 kills on the season and 1,349 in her career so far. The record she is chasing was set by Melissa Karwowski who set the record with 1,617 kills during her tenure.

Several Bulldogs rank in the NCAA's top statistical rankings but senior Chelsi Carter has proven to be one of the top servers in the country. The Meridianville, Alabama native boasts 24 service aces on the year and ranks 19^th nationally in the category.

Samford will return back to the Pete Hanna Center for the first time in over a month when the team plays host to cross-town rival UAB on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m.