KENNESAW, Ga. – The Samford Volleyball Team fell 3-0 to the Owls of Kennesaw State University on Tuesday evening, dropping to 3-4 on the season.
Gracie Lynn Butler led the Bulldogs with eight kills while Lauren Deaton posted seven. Kate Morgan's 12 digs served as the team high, with Deaton adding seven and Butler recording six.
Kayla Keshock posted 27 assists, in addition to registering three digs and a team-best three block assists. Andie Salasky logged a pair of service aces with five digs while Greer Golden also chipped in with a team-high three block assists.
Set one saw the Bulldogs fall behind 10-7, as the Owls used a .389 hitting percentage to slowly create separation. After an attack error from the Owls cut their lead to 17-12, they would go on to score three of the next four points to go up 19-13 and give themselves enough breathing room to claim the set.
The Bulldogs fell behind 9-6 to begin set two, but rallied with four-straight points to go up 10-9 and would eventually take a 15-12 lead. KSU answered with an 8-0 run to reclaim the lead 20-15, followed by an 8-2 Bulldog run to give Samford a 23-22 advantage. The Owls were able to regroup however and tally the set's final three points in heartbreaking fashion.
The Owls raced out to a 12-2 lead in set three and didn't look back. The Bulldogs got back to within four points after a kill by Deaton cut their deficit to 22-18, but the comeback would ultimately come up short.
"Kennesaw State really played exceptional volleyball tonight," Head Coach Keylor Chan said. "From set one, we were playing catch up. In set two we opened a door of opportunity but couldn't capitalize. Overall, I hope this match provides a good lesson of what it takes to maintain competitive excellence over time."
The Bulldogs will be back in action this weekend for three contests in the Gamecock Classic, hosted by Jacksonville State University. They'll begin with a 1:30 p.m. (CST) match against South Dakota State on Friday, Sept. 9.
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