Oct. 30, 2001

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The University of Alabama used a strong block and a hitting attack led by Erin Heffner and Jennifer Bibber to defeat Samford University 30-22, 30-22, and 30-20 Tuesday night at Seibert Hall.

Samford (11-14) was lead by the hitting tandem of Abby Miner and Whitney Miller who each recorded eight kills on the evening. Angela Smith and Stefanie Pickett had four kills a piece but Alabama's blocking held Samford to just a .037 hitting percentage and forced 27 hitting errors.

Heffner had a match-high 14 kills and Bibber added 11 kills for the Crimson Tide who improved to 17-6 on the season. Erin Price had nine kills and 10 digs while Bridget Studnicka had 27 assists. Alabama had 12 team blocks on the evening, seven by Julie Farley and six by Price.

Alabama broke open a 9-9 tie in game one using a 16-8 run to build a 25-17 lead. In game two, Studnicka scored seven-straight points from the service line as Alabama jumped on top 9-2. The Crimson Tide had four-consecutive blocks during the run. Samford fought back to get as close as 15-10, but once again Alabama extended its lead on won the two games by identical 30-22 scores.

Samford battled Alabama point for point in the first 26 rallies of game three to tie the score at 13. Then Alabama went on a 12-3 run to lead 25-15 and then sided out for the 30-20 win.

Samford will return to Atlantic Sun Conference play on Saturday went it travel to Buies Creek, N.C. The Bulldogs will battle Campbell at 1 p.m. CT. Samford has one home match remaining on its schedule. That will be next Monday Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. against Grambling.