CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel volleyball team dropped a three-set match to Samford 25-18, 25-18 and 25-22 on Friday night at McAlister Field House.

The Bulldogs (8-19, 1-10 SoCon) played well defensively, holding Samford (16-10, 7-4 SoCon) to a .252 hitting percentage and out blocking the visiting Bulldogs 6-5. Offensively, however, the Bulldogs hit just .159 and had five service errors to just two aces.

Right side hitter Megan Sowell and outside hitter Moriah Smith led the team with nine kills each. Smith also posted a team high 14 digs and had one block assist. Libero Samantha Espy added 13 digs and middle hitter Sarah Dobrich posted five block assists to lead all players.

After falling in the first two sets by matching scores of 25-18, the Bulldogs looked to extend the match in a tight third set. The offense stepped up in the set, hitting .312 with 14 kills to just four errors.

The third set looked well out of reach with The Citadel trailing 18-9, but the Bulldogs answered with four straight points to cut the lead down to five. After a Samford point, the Bulldogs grabbed eight of the next 11 points to narrow the deficit to 22-21. The teams traded the next two points before Samford closed it out 25-22 with a kill and a block.

The Bulldogs continue Southern Conference action on Saturday, hosting Chattanooga at 6 p.m. The two teams matched up on Oct. 21, when the Bulldogs forced the Mocs to five sets. Live stats and video will be available for the match.

For more information on The Citadel volleyball follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.