BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford volleyball team fell at home to Chattanooga, 3-0 (21-25, 17-25, 18-25) Saturday evening in the Pete Hanna Center.
 
With the loss, Samford fell to 12-8 overall and 6-4 in Southern Conference play. Chattanooga improved its season record to 13-10 overall and 4-5 in league play.
 
Samford was led in the match by Gracie Lynn Butler with 11 kills. Kaleigh Meritt tallied 10 kills and eight digs. Kate Morgan had a team-high 13 digs for the Bulldogs, while Lexi Thatcher had 28 assists.
 
For Chattanooga, Sydney Jackwin had 13 kills, while Chard'e Vanzandt had 12 kills for the Mocs.
 
In the first set, Samford took an early 4-2 lead after a block solo by Butler. Chattanooga fought back to take a 9-6 lead. The Bulldogs answered to grab a 13-12 lead on a Chattanooga attack error. Chattanooga scored six of the next eight points to take an 18-15 lead. Samford cut the lead to one at 22-21, but Chattanooga scored the next three points to take the set 25-21.
 
Samford took a 6-5 lead early in the second set after a service ace by Amelia Johnston. With the score tied at 10-10, Chattanooga scored six-straight points for a 16-10 lead. The Mocs led by as many as eight points down the stretch in the second set and eventually took the set by a score of 25-17.
 
In the third set, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 5-2 lead after a kill by Ashley Evans. Chattanooga fought back to take an 11-9 lead. Samford charged back to take a 15-13 lead after a kill by Morgan. Chattanooga, however, went on a 9-1 run to take a 22-16 lead. The Mocs took the third set, 25-18 and the match, 3-0.
 
Samford will next play at Western Carolina on Thursday, Oct. 31. The match is set for a 6 p.m. (CT) start from Cullowhee, N.C.
 
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