BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Samford University volleyball team fell to the South Alabama Jaguars, 3-1 (25-19, 13-25, 25-27, 19-25) on the second day of the Alabama Showdown Friday evening at Bartow Arena.
 
With the loss, Samford fell to 5-4 on the season. South Alabama improved its record to 4-5 with the win.
 
Samford was led in the loss by Gracie Lynn Butler with 12 kills and 12 digs. Kaleigh Meritt finished the match with 10 kills and 12 digs.
 
For South Alabama, Lillie Simmons led the way with 16 kills. Evie Taylor added nine kills for the Jaguars.
 
In the first set, South Alabama raced out to a 7-1 lead. Samford fought back to take a 17-13 lead on a kill by Lexi Thatcher. Samford led by as many as seven points down the stretch and the Bulldogs took the first set by a score of 25-19.
 
The Jaguars raced out to an 11-4 lead in the second set. South Alabama led by as many as 12 points in the set and the Jaguars won the second set, 25-13.
 
In the third set, Samford took an early 6-3 lead on a service ace by Butler. South Alabama roared back to take a 16-12 advantage. Samford fought back to take a 20-19 lead on a kill by Kate Wonus. The teams went into extra points and South Alabama took the 27-25 set victory.
 
South Alabama led from start to finish in the fourth set. The Jaguars took the fourth set by a score of 25-19 and the match, 3-1.
 
Samford will conclude play in the Alabama Showdown by taking on the host team, UAB Saturday at 5 p.m. at Bartow Arena. The match can be seen live on ESPN+.
 
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