BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The Samford University volleyball team toughed out a gut wrenching 3-2 victory over cross-city rival UAB on Tuesday, Sept. 30, inside the Pete Hanna Center. The win marks the only the third time that the Bulldogs have defeated the Blazers in the program's history.

"That was just a fun match to be a part of win or lose." Head Coach Derek Schroeder said. "I know we learned a lot about ourselves tonight and I bet so did UAB."

The Bulldogs (7-7) attempted and astounding 184 attacks in the match and produced a total of 72 kills en route to the victory over the Blazers. Senior outside hitter Michaela Reesor paced the attack with a double-double of 20 kills and 11 digs while sophomore Erin Bognar posted a double-double of her own with 16 kills and 10 digs.

The offensive effort from Samford wouldn't have come to fruition if it were not for the excellent play from sophomore setter Erika Pifer. Piefer dished out a career-high 63 assists in the five set win.

"I thought Erika set a great match." Schroeder mentioned. "When she was solid late in the sets we were very successful and our attackers found openings."

Reesor and Bognar found those openings frequently but so did sophomore Gabbi Greenwald and redshirt freshman T.J. Russell tallied 12 kills and 11 kills respectively.
It was a total team effort in all facets of the match for Samford to emerge victorious according to Schroeder.

"Everyone who serves and passes for us did a great job. I can't say enough about Chelsi (Carter), Michaela (Reesor), Erin (Bognar) and especially Mattie (Newson) late in the fifth set!"

Senior libero Chelsi Carter and sophomore defensive specialist Mattie Newson stepped up in a huge way defensively in the match. Carter recorded 23 digs while Newson tallied seven but was clutch in the fifth set with her passing.

The Bulldogs closed out the first set strong with a 25-22 decision before the team dropped a 36-34 slug out that included 20 ties and eight lead changes that allowed the Blazers to even the match at 1-1.

Samford responded after the beat with a convincing 25-17 win coming out of the locker room but UAB did not concede as they captured the fourth set 25-20.

SU dug deep in the fifth set and grinded out the 15-12 win that sealed the match 3-2.

The Bulldogs return back to Southern Conference action on Friday, Oct. 3, for its annual Dig Orange match against Western Carolina inside the Pete Hanna Center at 7 p.m.. Dig Orange represents the Bulldogs initiative to raise awareness for leukemia in memory of former teammate Caroline Neisler.