BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball team bounced back in a big way on Saturday, Oct. 10, as the team downed Western Carolina University 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-23) inside the Pete Hanna Center.
The Bulldogs (8-7, 3-2 SoCon) rallied behind redshirt sophomore
T.J. Russell and freshman
Krista Boesing to earn their third SoCon victory of the season. Russell and Boesing combined for 27 of the teams 43 kills in the three set affair and helped the team hit a whopping .351 for the match.
The Catamounts (7-15, 1-5 SoCon) forced the Bulldogs in a scrappy match in the initial set and forced 10 ties and four lead changes before Samford eventually pulled away with a 19-16 lead which the never relinquished. Samford ended the set on a 6-3 run which was spurred by Boesing.
After settling the nerves of the intense first set of action, Samford cruised its way to a 25-18 decision in the second set. Russell provided as a reliable option for freshman setter
Taylor Anderton who connected with Russell for four kills on just five attempts with no errors. The set served as the Bulldogs most efficient of the afternoon as the team hit an incredible .550 compared to Western Carolina's .286 average.
Defensive play from the back row picked up in the third set to solidify the win for the Bulldogs. Junior libero
Mattie Newson recorded 10 digs in the set alone while she finished with a total of 16 for the entire match.
However, the Bulldogs offensive machine didn't slow down either as senior middle blocker
Emily Meitz hit her stride and connected for five kills on seven attempts; three of which came in the last four points of the match to secure the victory. Meitz finished with five kills all of which came in the third set.
The Bulldogs return to action next weekend as the team travels to Mercer University and Chattanooga on Oct. 17 & 18.
