GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Samford volleyball team suffered a 3-0 setback against UNCG Friday evening, marking the start of Southern Conference play for both teams.
The Bulldogs dropped the match with set scores of 19-25, 17-25, and 21-25. This loss brings Samford’s overall record to 5-7, while UNCG improves to 8-5. the result initiates conference competition with Samford at 0-1 and UNCG at 1-0. This early conference contest sets the tone for both teams’ pursuit of a league championship, with implications for postseason seeding.
Kaleigh Meritt led Samford’s offensive effort with 14 kills and also contributed 10 digs for a double-double performance.Shea Bruntmyer directed the offense, totaling 29 assists, and Greer Golden anchored the net defense with four blocks.
UNCG’s Allie Sweet proved to be a key player, recording 12 kills, 6 digs, and 3 blocks.
The Spartans established an early advantage in the first set, eventually building a lead Samford couldn’t overcome, closing it out 25-19. UNCG continued its momentum in the second set, extending a notable lead to 21-12 before securing a 25-17 victory. The third set featured a back-and-forth battle, but UNCG ultimately pulled ahead 24-20 and finished the set-and the match-with a 25-21 win.
Samford will continue its road trip with a match against Furman on Saturday, september 27, at 3 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
