BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford volleyball team rocked the Pete Hanna Center on senior night with a thrilling 3-1 win over the SoCon second-ranked team UNCG, Saturday.
Box Score (PDF)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Both sides seemed even through the early portions of the first set, but it was the Spartans that went on a run taking a six-point lead into the first media timeout of the night, (15-9). UNCG continued to build a lead despite a Bulldog timeout to try and stave the momentum and closed the opening set 25-16.
The second set was tight from start to finish, with the Bulldogs opening a slim margin heading into the media timeout (15-13).
Kenya McQuirter and
Lauren Deaton had a monster second frame recording eight and five kills respectively as the Bulldogs opening a 19-16 lead forcing a late UNCG timeout. The Spartans would draw level out of the timeout, but the Bulldog pressure forced several untimely errors from the visitors to seal the second set 25-23.
Despite a back-and-forth opening to the set with the side tied at 13-13, it was all Samford in the middle of the frame. The Bulldogs spread the offense getting production from
Kate Wonus and
Gracie Lynn Butler, with setter
Kayla Keshock adding a pair of kills as the Bulldogs opened a 20-15 advantage forcing a Spartan timeout. Samford was able to quell a UNCG run to take the all-important third set 25-20.
The opening points of the fourth set were a seesaw affair with neither side able to pull away until Samford opened a four-point margin heading into the media timeout. Out of the media break, the Bulldogs went on a 6-0 run with three kills from senior
Briana Holmes forcing a desperate UNCG timeout (17-11). However, the Bulldogs continued to extend their lead racing to a 25-16 win in set four closing out the weekend with a senior night victory.
FROM THE BOX SCORE
- McQuirter continues to lead the way offensively posting 19 kills against UNCG, with Deaton adding 15.
- Emily Naubert recorded 17 digs for the Bulldog in a huge conference win, with Deaton and Kate Wonus also posting double digits in the category with 13 each.
- Keshock recorded six kills on the night to go along with 43 assists as she set the Bulldog attack.
- For UNCG, Kayla White and Grey Breen had 12 and 11 kills respectively, with White also posting 18 digs.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
UP NEXT
- The Bulldogs will continue their defense of the Pete Hanna Center next weekend as they face ETSU on Nov. 5, at 7 PM and Chattanooga Nov. 6 at 7 PM.
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).