Sept. 8, 2001

OXFORD, Miss - The Samford Bulldogs shocked Ole Miss in the tournament opener and have been knocking on the upset door but will still go home 1-3 after a 32-30, 33-31, 30-14 loss to Tennessee-Martin Saturday evening.

Samford (1-7) battled Martin point for point in each of the first two games but could not get the key play to win. UT-Martin (5-3) by virtue of the victory will win the Magnolia Invitational with a 3-1 record.

Samford's Shellie Ouldhouse had 10 of her team-high 14 kills in the opening game including a kill that gave Samford game point at 30-29. UTM fought off two game points for Samford before taking the game 32-30.

In game two Whitney Miller took over the Bulldog offense by recording eight of her 12 kills in the middle game. Samford used an 8-0 run to turn a 16-11 deficit into a 19-16 lead. UTM responded with 10-3 run to build a 26-22 advantage. The Bulldogs fought off three game points to tie the game at 29. Each team sided-out to 31-31 before the Skyhawks claimed the final point on their sixth game point.

Lindsey Stock led the Skyhawks with 14 kills. Heather Kea added 11 kills and 14 digs while Natalie Klevan contributed 10 kills and 15 digs. UT-Martin out dug Samford 59-40 and out hit the Bulldogs .325-.119.

Samford will play at home for the first time this season next weekend when the Bulldogs host the 2001 State Farm/Samford Classic. Visitors to Seibert Hall will include Birmingham-Southern, South Alabama, Tennessee State, and Belmont. Samford will open the tournament on Friday at 1 p.m. against Atlantic Sun foe Belmont.