Nov. 8, 2009

Box Score

CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Western Carolina volleyball wrapped up its Southern Conference matches on the road with a 3-1 loss at Samford Sunday.

After dropping the first set quickly, 25-11, the Catamounts stormed back to take set two. Western Carolina hit a scorching .423 in the second set and had as much as a 22-12 lead before the Bulldogs battled back. WCU held on to win the second set 25-17.

"Even though we didn't win the match, the improvement is there," said Head Coach Manuel Concepcion. "It is just a matter of being more mentally consistent."

Sets three and four were equally close, in points, as the second set. Western Carolina had its second-best performance in a set, in the match, hitting .381 in set three. The Catamounts dropped set three 25-19 and set four 25-22.

"Amanda Kerr came back after a long slump and played some of her best volleyball of the season," Concepcion said. "Senior setter Katie Hennessey had a solid match and made superb decisions."

Kerr led the team with nine kills and Hennessey had 23 assists. Junior Kara Lynzee Brooks added six kills.

"We managed to block six ball in a row at the end of the match, but couldn't hold on," Concepcion said. "Our major problem in the match was serve receive, we are going to work on that and try t finish strong next weekend in our final matches of the season."

Western Carolina closes out 2009 by hosting UNC Greensboro Saturday and Elon on Sunday.