Samford finishes season with 3-0 win over Cougars – Volleyball News
Samford University Women’s volleyball squad (Bulldogs) closed off the regular season in a great fashion as they posted a 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-17) win over Cougars from the College of Charleston. The thrilling encounter was staged at the Pete Hanna Arena
on the campus of Samford University.
The hosts totally benefitted the home advantage and kept the operations of the game well under control from start to finish. Cougars failed to match their performance with the Bulldogs and accepted defeat in the season finale. Samford ended the season with
overall record of 29-4, while Cougars recorded 25-10 on the season.
This is the second year in a row that the Cougars have been defeated in the championship match. Last year, College of Charleston fell to Georgia Southern and this time Bulldogs did the job. Hence, Samford earned the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Volleyball
Tournament with this particular win against Cougars.
First set
The home team opened on a 2-0 run but the Cougars promptly responded and chased the score. Bulldogs led the visiting team by as many as 10 points before the Cougars tallied a 3-0 run initiated by a kill from Kerstin Koehler. Sloane White started the hard
hitting for the Cougars but it was not enough as Samford’s Elizabeth Neisler hit the spot and closed first set by 25-19.
Second set
After securing the opening set, Samford jumped out to a 15-7 lead in the next frame. Meanwhile, Cougars hit back strongly with smashing hits from White. However, Lauren Hutchinson of Bulldogs silenced them with solid blocks and amazing cross court shots.
Cougars trailed behind with a deficit of 10 points and also gave the second set to Samford, 25-15.
Third set
Third set was closely contested as both teams exchanged quick points, before Samford picked up the lead at 16-7. Three service aces from Chelsi Carter helped the Bulldogs to push their opponents behind. Cougars tried to make a comeback but failed to succeed,
while Bulldogs won the third set (25-17) and also declared match victory.
Sloane White of Cougars recorded a match-high 15 kills with a hitting percentage of .500 in the match. Andi Zbojniewicz and Lizzie Theesfeld each added six kills. Kallie McKown dished out 25 assists for College of Charleston. Likewise, the libero Emily Shelton
displayed a good defensive play. She saved many crucial points via excellent digging on the court. She was credited with 7 digs in the match.
The Bulldogs were immensely supported by Elizabeth Neisler, whoe tallied 13 kills while the libero and tournament MVP, Lexi Bauer, grabbed a match-high 12 digs. Samford’s setter Casey Garvey did an amazing job at helping other players of her team and dished
out a match-high 36 assists in the match.
Overall, Bulldogs held the College of Charleston to a .176 hitting percentage, while the Bulldogs hit .405.
Tags: