GAME NOTES (PDF)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Samford volleyball team will host a pair of SoCon matches this weekend, taking on Western Carolina Friday at 6:30 p.m. and ETSU Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Pete Hanna Center.
 
Samford enters the week with a record of 7-5 overall and 1-1 in SoCon play. The Bulldogs opened SoCon play by falling at Wofford, 3-0, and then earning a 3-2 win at Chattanooga last week.
 
In the loss at Wofford, Ally Cordes led the Bulldogs with nine kills. Kate Morgan had a team-high 15 digs in the loss. Samford's Gracie Lynn Butler surpassed the 1,000 career kills mark at Wofford. Entering this weekend, she has 1,017 kills in her Samford career.
 
In the win at Chattanooga, Samford was led by Meritt with 24 kills and seven digs. Butler tallied 16 kills and 19 digs, while Greer Golden also had 16 kills in the win. Morgan had a team-high 26 digs, while Lexi Thatcher finished with 67 assists.
 
Thatcher currently leads the Southern Conference in assists per set at 10.31 per set. Meritt ranks third in the league in kills per set, with a 3.62 average.
 
Samford and Western Carolina have met 41previous times, with Samford owning a 32-9 series lead. Last season, Samford won both meetings, with the Bulldogs earning a 3-0 win at home and a 3-2 victory in Cullowhee, N.C.
 
Samford and ETSU have played 25 previous times, with Samford leading the series, 13-12. Last season, Samford won both matches, taking a 3-0 win at home and a 3-2 victory in Johnson City, Tenn.
 
The Western Carolina match can be seen live on ESPN+ and live stats will also be available for both matches. For links to follow all of Samford's matches, click on the following link: VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE.
 
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