Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Samford
Volleyball Downed by Samford 3-0
9/1/2012 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 1, 2012
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall took its first loss of the season on Friday night to Samford, 3-0 (20-25, 11-25, 24-26), to open up the Cardinal Classic in Louisville, Ky.
The Thundering Herd dropped to 3-1 with the defeat, while the defending Southern Conference champions grabbed its first win of the season and improved to 1-3.
"We have to learn to compete every point," noted head coach Mitch Jacobs. "We knew Samford was very good and yet we came out flat and uninspired."
Samford nearly doubled Marshall's kill count as the Bulldogs accounted for 47 kills compared to the Thundering Herd's 25.
"By the time we got into the match we were fighting for survival and lost a very good third set," continued Jacobs. "We need to learn from this and put our best effort forward tomorrow."
The third set showcased the Herd's most competitive effort as Marshall forced Samford to commit 13 attack errors and have a .038 hitting percentage. Laura Der led Marshall during the game with six kills.
Der would end the match with her first double-double of the season, totaling a team-high 16 kills and 10 digs. The junior outside hitter also led the team in service aces with three.
Samford was led by Michaela Reesor and Elizabeth Neisler, who had 14 and 12 kills respectively. On defense for the Bulldogs, Emily Meitz contributed four block assists, while Alexis Bauer had 21 digs.
Marshall will continue action in the KFC Yum! Center tomorrow with matches against Louisville and Duke. The Herd will face Louisville at 11 a.m. ET and then take on Duke at 5 p.m. ET.
