BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball team swept in-state rival South Alabama in straight sets to cap off the 2016 Marriott Invitational Tournament on Saturday, August 27, inside the Pete Hanna Center.

Samford (2-1) with match point at 24-22 and the crowd cheering on its feet, Kate Neisler served a well struck ball to South Alabama's (2-1) Mechell Daniel which forced a rushed offensive set. Neiser made the dig to put the Bulldogs in transition for senior Erin Bognar to make the final kill to end the set 25-22 and the match 3-0.

Neisler's consistent play throughout the entire weekend earned her a spot on the Marriott Invitational All-Tournament Team. She ended the night hitting .478 with 13 kills on 23 attempts with only a pair of errors. Defensively she reeled in seven digs with two block assists and one service ace.

The numbers for Bognar were similar in fashion as she banged 20 kills on 38 attempts (.474) while she also dug out seven digs with a pair of block assists.

The duo was joined by senior right side Gabbi Greenwald in the consistent offensive performance as she put down eight kills on 16 total attacks (.375) with three block assists.

As an offensive unit Samford averaged a .370 attack percentage which is in part thanks to great passing and defense from the Bulldogs that put senior setter Erika Pifer in position to tally 35 assists on the night.

Defensively Samford racked up 37 digs compared to South Alabama's 29 on the evening.

The Bulldogs will return to action on Tuesday, August 30, to take on the University of Alabama. The match will be held in Tuscaloosa at 7 p.m.

Marriott Invitational Tournament MVP 
Rachel Griffin – Indiana State
 
Marriott Invitational All-Tournament Team
Rachel Griffin – Indiana State
Bree Spangler – Indiana State
Kate Neisler  - Samford
Mechell Daniel – South Alabama
Emily Weimer – Nicholls State