CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Samford volleyball team fell 3-1, in a hard-fought matchup at The Citadel, Friday.

BOX SCORE (PDF)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:  
Samford got out to a sluggish start with The Citadel taking the first three points of the opening set, before Samford pulled back into the set behind four-kills from Lauren Deaton and three from Sarah Hayes Farley. However, The Citadel took a four-point lead into the media timeout, but the Birmingham Bulldogs roared back to tie the set at 16-16. Despite a late Samford rally the Citadel scored the final four points to take the opening set 25-20.
 
The second set saw back-and-forth action with a number of ties and lead changes as neither side was able to find an advantage. The Citadel took a slight two-point advantage into the media timeout, but added a pair of points to hold a 17-13 advantage forcing a timeout from head coach Keylor Chan. The Charleston Bulldogs continued to press taking the second set 25-19.
 
The trend of early seesaw points continued in the third frame as the squads remained deadlocked into double digits. The Birmingham Bulldogs opened a three-point lead behind back-to-back Deaton kills, Samford's momentum continued as the Bulldogs went into the media timeout with a 15-11 advantage. The Bulldogs were able to hold off a run from The Citadel extending their lead to 20-15, as Gracie Lynn Butler's presence at the net forced the home side error securing the third set 25-19.
 
The Bulldogs opened a massive lead in the fourth set behind a six-point serving run from Emily Naubert, as Samford continued to build momentum holding an 18-9 advantage. However, The Citadel produced a massive comeback tying the set at 21. A battled to 25 ensued with neither team willing to give an inch. The Citadel took a slim lead at 24-23, forcing match point and a Samford timeout, but the home team would not be denied a victory taking the fourth set 25-23.

FROM THE BOX SCORE

• Three Bulldogs posted double digits with Deaton leading the way with 17 kills, while Sarah Hayes Farley recorded 12, while Gracie Lynn Butler extended her career high in kills to 10.
• Kayla Keshock had two kills and 45 assists.
• Deaton, Keshock, and Naubert each recorded three service aces.
• For The Citadel, Sharlissa de Jesus led the way with 22 kills in the 3-1 victory.

UP NEXT

• The Bulldogs will make the trek to Spartanburg, S.C. to face the Terriers of Wofford College Saturday, Oct. 23 with first serve set for 5 PM CT.

FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS:
For the latest news and information on Samford volleyball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at @SamfordSports (Facebook), @SamfordVB (Instagram) and @SamfordVB (Twitter).