Sept. 23, 2000

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Troy State University used a six point run to overcome an 8-5 to deficit in rally scoring and went on to win game five 15-11 to win the State Farm/Samford Invitational over Samford University Saturday at Seibert Hall.

Troy State (10-3) went undefeated in the tournament although it fell behind two games to one in the championship match. The Lady Trojans were led by tournament MVP Emily Larson who had 25 kills and 145 assists over the three matches. Amy Kellogg joined Larson on the all-tournament team as she had 16 kills in the final and 31 for the tournament.

Samford (8-7) finishes second in a tournament for the second time this year. The Bulldogs took the opening game of the final 15-8, dropped game two 15-5, and won game three 15-10. But Troy State rallied to win game four 15-7 and then game five 15-11.

"It was a good tournament for us," said Samford head coach Vickie Nichols. "We came together as a team and the upperclassmen stepped up and made major contributions."

Samford's upperclassmen combination of junior Whitney Miller and senior Shaliece Hall combined for 35 kills and 22 digs in the championship match. Miller had 23 kills in the final to give her 54 over the three matches. Hall had 12 kills and 14 digs in the final. Both players were named to the all-tournament team.

Western Carolina University (3-9) placed third in the tournament. The Catamounts placed setter Bri Milan-Williams and Christy Attbery on the all-tournament team. Attbery led the tournament in kills with 54 and average of 4.91 per game.

Tennessee State (0-11) finished the weekend still winless on the season. The Lady Tigers were led by Janique Suber who had a .242 hitting percentage over the three matches.

All Tournament Team: Emily Larson, Troy State-MVP, Amy Kellogg, Troy State, Whitney Miller, Samford, Shaliece Hall, Samford, Bri Milan-Williams, Western Carolina and Christy Attbery, Western Carolina.