Birmingham, Alabama, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Samford volleyball team is hosting the Alabama Challenge at the Pete Hanna Center, featuring matches against South Alabama, Auburn, and UAB. With a recent record of 4-4, the team aims to enhance their performance and showcase their talents against competitive opponents. Fans can attend in person or watch live on ESPN+. Key players, Shea Bruntmyer and Kaleigh Meritt, have received weekly accolades for their impressive performances. This event presents a strategic opportunity for Samford to build momentum in their season.
Birmingham, Alabama – The Samford volleyball team is set to host the Alabama Challenge this week at the Pete Hanna Center. The event will showcase a series of matches starting on Thursday, as the team looks to improve its record of 4-4 after a recent mix of victories and defeats.
The Alabama Challenge schedule is as follows:
- Thursday: Samford vs South Alabama at 6:30 p.m.
- Friday: Samford vs Auburn at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: Samford vs UAB at 6:30 p.m.
- UAB vs Auburn will open the challenge on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
- UAB vs South Alabama will occur on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
- Auburn vs South Alabama is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
Recent performances have shown promise for Samford. The team recently secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Tennessee Tech, followed by a decisive 3-0 sweep of Radford. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Samford’s Shea Bruntmyer was honored as the Southern Conference’s Setter of the Week, totaling 81 assists over the last two matches. Furthermore, Kaleigh Meritt, the team’s outside hitter, had already received accolades as the league’s Offensive Player of the Week and currently ranks second in the league with 120 kills.
Fans can catch the action live, as matches on Friday and Saturday will be streamed on ESPN+, with live stats available for all six matchups throughout the event. Tickets for the matches are available for purchase, allowing supporters to cheer on Samford and the visiting teams.
This Alabama Challenge presents a great opportunity for Samford to build momentum, showcasing the talents of their key players and enhancing their standings in the league as they compete against noteworthy opponents.
Background on the Alabama Challenge
The Alabama Challenge is an exciting volleyball event that gathers multiple teams for a weekend of competitive matches, bringing together local rivals and providing valuable experience ahead of the rest of the season. Samford, a prominent program in the Southern Conference, is expected to leverage home-court advantage as they face varied opponents during this challenge.
Key Players
- Shea Bruntmyer: Southern Conference’s Setter of the Week with 81 assists in the last two matches.
- Kaleigh Meritt: Offensive Player of the Week with 120 kills, ranking second in the league.
Viewing and Ticket Information
Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets for the matches and enjoy the excitement of collegiate volleyball in person. Those unable to attend can follow the matches via the ESPN+ streaming service.
Upcoming Matches Recap
The match schedule is designed to attract local and regional fans, enhancing community engagement with Samford’s volleyball program.
Conclusion
As the Samford volleyball team prepares for the Alabama Challenge, the event promises a competitive atmosphere and the chance for the Bulldogs to showcase their skills against esteemed opponents.
FAQ
- What is the Alabama Challenge? The Alabama Challenge is a series of volleyball matches hosted by Samford University featuring multiple teams.
- When is Samford’s schedule for the Alabama Challenge? Samford will play South Alabama on Thursday, Auburn on Friday, and UAB on Saturday, all at 6:30 p.m.
- Where will the Alabama Challenge take place? The Alabama Challenge will take place at the Pete Hanna Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
- How is Samford’s volleyball team performing? Samford enters the week with a record of 4-4 after splitting their matches, recently winning against Tennessee Tech and Radford.
Match Schedule Chart
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Samford vs South Alabama | 6:30 p.m. |
| Friday | Samford vs Auburn | 6:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Samford vs UAB | 6:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | UAB vs Auburn | 3:30 p.m. |
| Friday | UAB vs South Alabama | 3:30 p.m. |
| Saturday | Auburn vs South Alabama | 3:30 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UAB Volleyball Announces 2025 Schedule with AAC Rivalries
Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- MaxPreps
- Google Search: volleyball Alabama challenge
- Missouri State Bears
- Encyclopedia Britannica: volleyball
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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
