Homecoming weekend is one of the most pressure filled weekends a college student can endure. However, head coach Russ Friedland and his volleyball team rose to the occasion and captured what the team has been looking for all season: conference wins.
Playing two Georgia teams back-to-back, Georgia State was first on the docket on Thursday night.
The Warhawks jumped out to a solid start, winning set one 25-23 and set two 25-22. Looking to sweep Georgia State in three sets, the Warhawks were stopped in their tracks as Georgia State won set three 27-25.
Looking to close the game out in a strong fashion, the Warhawks, on the backs of strong play and leadership, won set four 25-22 and won the game three sets to one.
Freshman outside hitter Kate Blasingame had a huge night, accumulating 14 kills and 18 digs.
Senior middle blocker Tara Jenkins recorded 26 assists and junior defensive specialist Katie McKay also grabbed 20 digs.
“This was a total team win. From the court to the bench and staff. I’m so proud of us for gutting out this win on our home floor. They refused to be outworked tonight and it paid off,” Friedland said.
Riding high on a big win, the Warhawks returned to Fant-Ewing the next night to play Georgia Southern.
Georgia Southern jumped out to an impressive start, winning set one 25-13. However, the Warhawks would not be stopped.
Coming back stronger than ever, the team won sets two, three and four, all by a score of 25-22.
The Warhawks won the game 3-1. Blasingame had another big night, recording 14 kills and 15 digs. McKay also grabbed 12 digs. Junior outside hitter Mikaela Worley notched 15 kills and 19 assists from senior setter Presleigh Williams launched the Warhawks over the top.
“To sweep a weekend in this conference is huge and to do it on our home floor just makes it that much sweeter,” Friedland noted.
ULM is now 9-14 on the season and 2-8 in the conference. After a few days of rest, the team will travel to Arlington, TX to take on UT Arlington.