BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Samford volleyball team will open Southern Conference play with matches at UNCG on Friday at 5 p.m. and at Furman on Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
Samford enters conference play with a record of 5-6, following going 1-3 in the Alabama Challenge last week, earning a sweep win over UAB and falling to Auburn and South Alabama.
 
Samford was led in last week's tournament by Kaleigh Meritt with 41 kills, while Shea Bruntmyer tallied 126 assists over the three matches.
 
Bruntmyer was recently named conference setter of the week for the second consecutive week. So far in the season, she has 372 assists and is second in the conference in assists.
 
Entering conference play Ally Cordes has led Samford this season with 105 digs and 18 aces while Greer Golden has led in blocks with 26.0.
 
Samford and UNCG have met 34 previous times, with Samford owning a 24-10 series lead. The teams played two times last year, each team splitting the matches with one win each.
 
Samford and Furman have played 47 previous times, with Samford leading the series, 25-21. Last season, the Bulldogs and Paladins split the two meetings.
 
The Bulldogs match against UNCG will not be broadcast but can be followed via Live Stats, their match against Furman on Saturday will be streamed live on ESPN+ .