2008 Woodie Awards
Volleyball team sets high goals for remainder of 2007 season
Val Kikkert
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
The Samford volleyball team improved its record to 8-5 on the season and 3-1 in the OVC after defeating Austin Peay 3-1 last Friday night.
With the victory, the Bulldogs clutched their first home conference win of the season. The team is off to its best start in school history with its 3-1 conference record.
"Starting the season off 3-1 [in the OVC] has let the people know we're here," Head Coach Michelle Durban said.
The Bulldogs out-blocked the Governors 15-6 with strong contribution from the middle blockers. Sophomore middle blocker Sheriden Stangohr led the team in block assists count with eight for the match, while senior middle blocker Angela Dempski and junior outside hitter Sara Sears each tallied five block assists.
Sears is leading the team in multiple categories so far this season and averages 3.86 points per game for the Bulldogs. She posted her seventh double-double of the season on Friday night with 13 kills and 12 digs.
Stangohr and Dempski are not far behind, contributing key hitting percentages, blocks and block assists to uphold the recent success. Stangohr is leading the team in block solos with nine on the season.
The Friday night win was a great accomplishment for the team, sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Gardner said. The team beat Austin Peay in four games, giving the Governors game two and a chance to knock out the Lady Bulldogs' mental game.
"It was good to see us regain focus after losing the second game," Gardner said.
Gardner feels the team attitude is a lot better than last year. She said that the freshmen have fitted in perfectly and that the team as a whole has worked well together and supported each other.
"This year, the biggest thing we have is depth," Durban said. "We are older than ever before and we have leaders that are stepping up and holding each other accountable. There is constant competition in our gym right now."
Durban said the work ethic at practices has been great. The team was challenged at Monday's practice after having two days off since the APSU game last Friday night and handled the intensity well. The Lady Bulldogs are continuing the competitive theme that has been present throughout this season.
"The team has been playing the best I've seen since I've been here," senior right-side hitter Robin Bishop said. "We have a new attitude with confidence to win that is reflected during games and practices."
The Bulldogs will continue their quest for the OVC Tournament this weekend as they play host to Tennessee State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Tennessee Tech on Saturday at 2 p.m.
With the victory, the Bulldogs clutched their first home conference win of the season. The team is off to its best start in school history with its 3-1 conference record.
"Starting the season off 3-1 [in the OVC] has let the people know we're here," Head Coach Michelle Durban said.
The Bulldogs out-blocked the Governors 15-6 with strong contribution from the middle blockers. Sophomore middle blocker Sheriden Stangohr led the team in block assists count with eight for the match, while senior middle blocker Angela Dempski and junior outside hitter Sara Sears each tallied five block assists.
Sears is leading the team in multiple categories so far this season and averages 3.86 points per game for the Bulldogs. She posted her seventh double-double of the season on Friday night with 13 kills and 12 digs.
Stangohr and Dempski are not far behind, contributing key hitting percentages, blocks and block assists to uphold the recent success. Stangohr is leading the team in block solos with nine on the season.
The Friday night win was a great accomplishment for the team, sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Gardner said. The team beat Austin Peay in four games, giving the Governors game two and a chance to knock out the Lady Bulldogs' mental game.
"It was good to see us regain focus after losing the second game," Gardner said.
Gardner feels the team attitude is a lot better than last year. She said that the freshmen have fitted in perfectly and that the team as a whole has worked well together and supported each other.
"This year, the biggest thing we have is depth," Durban said. "We are older than ever before and we have leaders that are stepping up and holding each other accountable. There is constant competition in our gym right now."
Durban said the work ethic at practices has been great. The team was challenged at Monday's practice after having two days off since the APSU game last Friday night and handled the intensity well. The Lady Bulldogs are continuing the competitive theme that has been present throughout this season.
"The team has been playing the best I've seen since I've been here," senior right-side hitter Robin Bishop said. "We have a new attitude with confidence to win that is reflected during games and practices."
The Bulldogs will continue their quest for the OVC Tournament this weekend as they play host to Tennessee State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Tennessee Tech on Saturday at 2 p.m.