BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Citadel volleyball team started Southern Conference play with a record-breaking road victory against defending conference champs Samford on Friday in Birmingham, Alabama.
 
The Bulldogs (6-11, 1-0 SoCon) attacked quickly with 11 kills in the first set to win 25-23. The Citadel then secured a quick victory in the second set, 25-18, and sealed the match with a 25-23 win in the final set. The 3-0 win marks the first time The Citadel has defeated Samford in program history.
 
Freshman Sharlissa De Jesus returned to the court tonight as the lead attacker for the Bulldogs with 11 kills, as well as 14 digs. Senior Moriah Smith, sophomore Sarah Dobrich and freshman Mellanie King each tallied 6 kills during the match to contribute to the team's 39 total kills.
 
The Citadel looks ahead to Saturday's match in Macon, Georgia, against Mercer at 3:00 p.m. in Hawkins Arena for the second conference match of the season. The Bears have a 4-8 record after falling to Wofford on Friday in the conference opener. ESPN3 will broadcast the match against the Bears and live stats will be available at CitadelSports.com.
 
For more information and updates on The Citadel volleyball team, follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.