Aug. 31, 2001

Stats

HOUSTON, Texas - Using new rules and a new ball the Samford volleyball team still came up short against 18th ranked Texas A&M at the Crown Plaza Rice Invitational Friday morning.

The Aggies (1-0) took the match 30-15, 30-19, and 30-18 under the new scoring format for NCAA volleyball. Erin Lechler provided 13 kills to lead Texas A&M.

Samford (0-1) was led by senior Whitney Miller who had six kills and a pair of service aces. Sophomore Abby Miner had four kills in her first match back from shoulder surgery last season. Sophomore Krista Kettering handed out 17 assists for the Bulldogs.

Serving and blocking spelled the difference in the match as the bigger Aggies out blocked the Bulldogs 9-5 and held a 9-4 advantage in aces.

The Bulldogs will play their second game of the tournament at 3 p.m. this afternoon against Rice University. Texas A&M will play Houston at 5 p.m.