Oct. 20, 2001

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Shellie Ouldhouse and Abby Miner each had 12 kills to lead Samford University past Belmont University in Atlantic Sun volleyball action at Seibert Hall Saturday afternoon 30-24, 30-28, 30-26.

Samford (9-12, 5-3 A-Sun) played it quickest match of the season sweeping the three games in 81 minutes. The Bulldogs held Belmont (4-12, 1-4 A-Sun) to a .177 hitting percentage by recording 10 blocks on the match.

Miner recorded her eighth double-double of the season adding 11 digs to her 12 kills. Kristin Berryman had two kills on three swings in one game of duty for the Bulldogs.

"I am excited that we are playing well," said Samford head coach Vickie Nicholls. "Winning this weekend puts us in a good position heading into a key conference match on Tuesday. Shellie had a great match for us as did Kristin on the right side."

Belmont was led by Kati Baumgartner and Kristen Moore who each had 10 kills for the Bruins. Britney Baggett added 11 digs for the visitors.

Samford looked strong in game one building a 16-6 lead. Stefanie Pickett continued her strong serving. She had two aces as the Bulldogs scored six-straight points on her serve. Belmont would battle back and get to as close as 24-19. Samford would take six of the next 11 points highlighted by a Pickett kill on game point to take the opener 30-24.

In game two, both teams played every close as the game was tied at 18, 24, and 28. A service error and a hitting error by the Bruins gave Samford the last two points and a 2-0 lead in the match. Although the third game was tight, Samford led most of the way. With the game tied at 21, the Bulldogs used an 8-3 run to reach match point. Belmont fought off two-points but Ouldhouse ended it with a kill off a slide to give Samford the 30-26 win.

The victory is Samford's second-straight and puts the Bulldogs in a position where they need to win one of their final two conference matches to qualify for the Atlantic Sun Tournament. The Bulldogs will travel to Georgia State on Tuesday for their first shot at clinching a tournament bid. The match will begin at 6 p.m. central time.