Sept. 2, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Conference announced today that senior Bulldog Ashley Adams has been named the SoCon Volleyball Player of the Week for matches that occurred August 29-31. This was the first week of voting and the honor is voted on by sports information directors at all Southern Conference institutions.

Adams, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State, was a key component in the Samford volleyball team taking second place in the War Eagle Invitational this past weekend in Auburn, Ala. In three tournament matches, Adams had 41 kills, a .317 hitting percentage, 26 digs and four block assists. She posted two double-doubles as well, one Friday night and one Saturday night.

"Ashley is going to be an offensive force for us all year, there is very little doubt about that," Samford head coach Derek Schroeder said. "Important to what we are trying to accomplish here, she has become a part of the incredible chemistry this team has and has also become a part of this family! I am very excited for Ashley and know that as a happy, healthy student athlete the sky is the limit for this young lady in her senior year."

The Samford volleyball team defeated Auburn Friday night 3-0, for the first time in Samford history. The Bulldogs also lost to New Orleans Saturday 3-1 and beat Mercer 3-1 on Saturday.

Other players considered for their play this past weekend were Samford's Rachel Gadberry, Furman's Nicole Palazzo, Georgia Southern's Cristin Haines, Davidson's Kittery Neale, Wofford's Stacy Byrd, Elon's Traci Stewart, College of Charleston's Whitney Russell, Appalachian State's Carla Durham and Western Carolina's Liz Rondone.