BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford Volleyball team will host its annual "Dig Orange" match on Wednesday, Oct. 12 against Mercer from the Pete Hanna Center.
 
The Bulldogs' 7:00 p.m. clash with the Bears will be streamed live on ESPN+
 
The Dig Orange match is an annual event that honors Caroline Neisler, a former student-athlete who passed away in 2013 just weeks after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. 
 
Caroline Neisler was one of three Neisler sisters who attended Samford University, along with Elizabeth Neisler (2009-2012) and Katie Neisler (2014-2015). "She seamlessly fit in with the team," said Elizabeth Neisler of her sister joining the Samford program in the spring of 2013. "She was just so easy to be around."
 
The current head coach of the Mercer Bears, and former coach of the Bulldogs, Derek Schroeder, was the head coach at Samford when Caroline transferred to play in Birmingham for her senior season. Mercer also hosts an annual Dig Orange match to honor Neisler's memory and support all those affected by leukemia.
 
Caroline was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia on May 1, 2013 and passed away on May 15, 2013. Her legacy and the impact she had on not only the Samford program, but the North Alabama and Mercer programs, continues to this day. "It means a lot to us, and to our family, that Dig Orange is still going on," Elizabeth Neisler said. "It's a beautiful thing, and it is a beautiful way to preserve her memory. And to also, hopefully, raise money to spread awareness and also raise money to find a cure someday."
 
 A Venmo account has been set up for donations: @keylor-chan. Checks can be made out to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A personalized Caroline Neisler jersey signed by the Samford Volleyball team will be auctioned off during the match, with the proceeds going towards aiding in the fight against blood cancer.
 
Samford Volleyball posted a perfect 2-0 record over the course of last weekend. The Bulldogs notched a pair of 3-1 wins at Furman and The Citadel.
 
On the attacking side, Kenya McQuirter led the Bulldogs with 33 kills and an average of 4.13 kills per set over the weekend. The redshirt-junior outside hitter logged 21 kills and a .452 hitting percentage in Samford's win at Furman.
 
Lauren Deaton compiled a pair of double-doubles over the weekend, with a 14-kill, 16-dig effort at Furman and a 14-kill, 17-dig performance at The Citadel.
 
On Monday, Oct. 10, Kate Morgan was named the SoCon Defensive Player of the week. Waxahachie, Texas native posted a team-high 42 digs in two matches, for a pace of 5.25 per set. She also led the Bulldogs with six service aces.
 
The Bulldogs come into the week leading the SoCon with an average of 13.73 kills per set. McQuirter leads the team and ranks third in the SoCon with a mark of 3.77 kills
 
Samford enters the week as the SoCon leader in assists per set at 12.45. Kayla Keshock, the reigning SoCon Setter of the Month, leads the league with a pace of 10.20 assists per set.
 
Morgan comes into the week leading the SoCon and ranking seventh in the nation with 37 service aces. Morgan additionally ranks 16th in the country with an average of 0.56 aces per set.
 
On the defensive side, Morgan leads Samford and ranks second in the SoCon with an average of 4.33 digs per set. The sophomore libero tallied 26 digs at The Citadel on Sunday.
 
The Bulldogs hold an all-time record of 35-10 against Mercer and have won four of their last six against the Bears. Samford notched a 3-0 sweep over Mercer in their most recent contest on Nov. 10 of the 2021 season.
 
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