BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball program opened up the 2016 season and the Keylor Chan era with a split on the first day of the Marriott Invitational Tournament on Friday, August 26, inside the Pete Hanna Center. The Bulldogs opened up the day with a five-set victory over Nicholls State before the team fell 3-0 to Indiana State in the nightcap match.

"I thought today was a great day for the Bulldogs to learn valuable lessons." Head Coach Keylor Chan said. "In the first match against Nicholls State we showed some resiliency and the ability to overcome adversity by making adjustments."

The Bulldogs (1-1) took game one of the young season 3-2 (25-17, 19-25, 19-25, 25-21, 15-6) over Nicholls State. Redshirt sophomore Kate Neisler posted a team high 15 kills and 15 digs in the effort with a pair a service aces.

Freshman defensive specialist Grace Tiesman earned the start at the libero position and paced Samford with a team high 17 digs while the setter combination of senior Erika Pifer and Taylor Anderton combined for 34 and 17 assists respectively.

Samford looked to continue their momentum gained in the fifth set against Nicholls State over to the match against Indiana State but the Sycamores were too much for the Bulldogs in the two program's first ever meeting.

"In our match against Indiana State tonight we found that we still have a lot to learn about how to discipline ourselves, control our thoughts and our emotions so we can get our bodies to do what they need to do. Which will help us play more cohesively as a unit." Chan mentioned.

"Have to give Indiana State credit because they played a really great match tonight." Chan said "We still have some things to work on so hopefully we can get some rest, be reflective and get back after it tomorrow against South Alabama."

The Bulldogs fell 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-13) in the affair where the Sycamores outpaced Samford offensively with attack percentages of .390, .360 and .333 compared to .212, .346 and -0.56 on the evening.

The Bulldogs will rest and recharge for a single match that will take place on Saturday, August 27, at 7 p.m. against in-state rival South Alabama. Admission is free to the public.