BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball team finished off the Samford-UAB Challenge Invitational with a strong performance against Radford University inside the Pete Hanna Center on Saturday, Sept. 3.

The Bulldogs (5-2) won in straight-sets (25-23, 25-21, 25-20) against the Highlanders (6-1) to cap off the invitational unblemished as the team also produced wins over Tennessee Tech and Northwestern State University the previous night.

In a tight first set that included 10 ties and three lead changes, senior defensive specialist Mattie Newson served the Bulldogs back into the lead after being down 22-21 in the set to the Highlanders. Newson's tough serving put the Highlanders off-balance and out of system which allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize and regain the lead.

Samford eventually took the set 25-23 and a 1-0 lead in the match. Newson finished the night with nine digs as a sub for right side attacker Gabbi Greenwald.

The offense once again rose to the occasion thanks in part to the superb passing efforts that equated to a total team performance.
Senior outside hitter Erin Bognar let the Bulldogs offense with 18 kills (.325) and 12 digs on the night for her third-straight double-double. Neisler just missed on her her third double-double of the season with a 15 kills (.289) and nine digs on the evening.

Joining the duos efforts was Greenwald (.333) and senior middle Kiahna Wicks (.400) who each tallied eight kills each.

Senior setter Erika Pifer notched her first double-double of the season as she directed the Bulldogs offense to produce 44 assists and covered ground to make 14 digs against the Highlanders.

Freshman libero Grace Tiesman ripped up 13 digs for the Bulldogs.

In an effort to keep Radford off balance senior middle blocker T.J. Russell patrolled the net all night as she led the Bulldogs with six block assists.

Next up for Samford is a trip to Laramie, Wyoming to compete University of Wyoming Invitational next Friday and Saturday along with a pit stop in Fort Collins, Colorado to take on Wichita State in a solo match.