Samford 3, Chattanooga 1

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Samford Bulldogs kept the Chattanooga volleyball team from posting its first win of the season with a 3-1 decision over the Lady Mocs in Birmingham Wednesday night. 

In the first game, the Lady Mocs rebounded from a 12-9 deficit to lead 27-26 before Samford ran off the last four points of the game to claim a three point win.  After closing within a point of Samford at 9-8 in game two, the Lady Mocs made 10 hitting or ball handling errors down the stretch and the Bulldogs claimed a 30-19 win.

UTC never trailed in game three and posted a 30-24 win behind five kills from Leslie Ball and Ashley Yeager.  Bethany Hendon recorded 12 of her 38 assists in the third game.

Game four was a back-and-forth affair which was knotted at 15 before Samford ran off five straight points to take control en route to a 30-20 win.  The win was Samford’s first of the season against five losses.  The loss drops the Lady Mocs to 0-4.

Junior Leslie Ball recorded her first double-double of the season with a season-high 14 kills and a career-high 13 digs to pace the Lady Mocs.  Kelsey Amundson tallied nine kills, while Sarah Bass and freshman Ashley Yeager had eight each.  Lara Newberry had a team-high 22 digs.  

Sheridan Stanghor led the Bulldogs with 14 kills.  Katie Luckman accounted for four of Samford’s 10 service aces.

The Holiday Inn Express Challenge will open the home season for the Lady Mocs with the four-team affair starting on Friday night.  The tournament will feature Birmingham Southern, Eastern Kentucky and Lamar.  Tickets are available by calling (423) 266-MOCS or online at www.gomocs.com.