Samford 3, UNCG 0 (PDF)
GREENSBORO, N.C. – After a close first set, the UNCG volleyball team could not overcome Samford, falling 3-0 (25-27, 8-25, 16-25) Friday evening at Fleming Gymnasium. The Spartans are now 8-8 overall and 3-2 in Southern Conference play while the Bulldogs improve to 13-6 and 5-0 – extending their winning streak to eight.
UNCG hit well in the first set at .356 but struggled in the final two frames, firing at -.128 and .103 while Samford enjoyed a .367 overall hitting performance. The Bulldogs also recorded more kills (52-36), digs (62-51) and blocks (5.5-3.5).
Redshirt junior
Olivia Humphries turned in a solid effort, putting down a team-best 14 kills on 32 attempts with just three errors for a hitting mark of .344. Classmate
Karrian Chambers posted a double-double for the second-straight contest, racking up 10 kills and 10 digs. Defensively, junior
Kellie Orewiler produced 17 digs and was joined in double figures by freshman
Katherine Santiago with 10.
A kill by
Lauren Betlach gave UNCG a 6-3 advantage in the first set before the Spartans used an Orewiler ace to grow the cushion to 15-11. Samford was able to recover, scoring seven of the next 10 points and tying the set on a kill by Michaela Reesor. The Spartans were able to grab a 22-21 lead on an attack error by Elizabeth Niesler but the Bulldog hitter gave her team a 23-22 advantage two points later with a kill. UNCG staved off two set points before a Katie Murphy kill and Chambers attack error allowed Samford to escape with the 27-25 victory and 1-0 match lead.
The Bulldogs raced out to a 6-1 advantage in the second interval before the Spartans closed to within 7-3 on a Humphries kill. However, Samford allowed UNCG just five more points in the set – blitzing the Spartans 18-5 to seize a 2-0 lead.
Samford crept out to a 7-5 edge to begin the third set then scored three-straight points to force a UNCG timeout. The respite proved futile as the Bulldogs took a commanding 16-6 lead on a Lauren Hutchinson kill. The Spartans were able to cut their deficit to 22-15, but it was too late as a Chambers attack error ended the match.
UNCG returns to the court tomorrow (Oct. 6) as the Spartans play host to North Division rival Chattanooga. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The match is the second "Fight Like a Spartan" contest of the weekend and the first 75 fans in attendance will receive a free UNCG pink t-shirt. Pink merchandise, including t-shirts, koozies and other gear will be available for purchase.
Admission is free to all fans for all volleyball matches.
- UNCG -
