Nov. 6, 2010

Box Score

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Sophomore Amanda Chaparro led the Catamounts with 14 kills in their four-set loss to Samford on Saturday afternoon at the Ramsey Center.

“It is disappointing to continue this losing streak,” said Western Carolina head coach Manuel Concepcion. “Samford was able to dominate at the net, keeping our offense in low numbers.

“We did serve very well, even getting their libero out of her comfort zone.”

In addition to Chaparro’s offensive efforts, senior Paloma Alvarez added 12 kills and freshman Leah Best contributed seven. Freshman Kelcie Randazzo handled the majority of the setting responsibilities, recording 36 of the team’s 38 assists.

“Even though their stats were average, Leah and Paloma took excellent swings when we needed it the most,” said Concepcion. “I’m very pleased with the way played the first two sets. We showed mental toughness throughout adversity.”

Defensively, freshman Morgan Cochran posted a team-best 13 digs while Randazzo added eight digs. Best and Chaparro both added two block assists in the loss.

The first set saw the two teams battle back and forth until WCU took a 15-11 lead on a Brittany Lysik service ace. The Catamounts held onto their four-point advantage late into the set, 19-15, before Samford retaliated by going on an 8-1 run to take a 23-20 lead. WCU responded by using a 3-1 run to get within one (24-23), but a kill by Samford’s Lauren Hutchinson gave the Bulldogs the first set, 25-23.

Chaparro finished the first set with seven kills, no errors, and a .538 attacking percentage. WCU posted a .324 attacking percentage in the set.

After trailing by three (8-5) to open the second set, WCU went on a 7-1 run to take a 12-9 lead. The two squads fought back and forth throughout the duration of the set – being tied 11 more times – with the final tie coming at 26 all. A kill by Best put WCU ahead by one (27-26) before the Catamounts went on to win the set, 28-26, on a Bulldog attacking error.

Samford jumped out to a 21-3 advantage to open the third set to route the Catamounts, 25-7. WCU scored four of the final eight points of the set, but the early deficit proved too costly to overcome.

The Catamounts kept the fourth set within four (12-8) to open the set, but Samford poured on an 11-3 run to take a 23-11 advantage. WCU scored three consecutive points to make the score 23-14 in favor of the Bulldogs, but two WCU miscues gave Samford the set, 25-14.

The Catamounts return to action at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 7 when they play host to Chattanooga in the team’s final home contest of the season. The match will be the final home contest for Alvarez.

“Tomorrow we face a defensive-guided team, against which our hitters will need to lower their errors and diversify their shot selection,” said Concepcion.