Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means another volleyball season has come to a close. First year head coach Russ Friedland has instilled grit and determination into the team and it showed this past weekend.
On Friday, the Warhawks entered Fant-Ewing to take on the Red Wolves of Arkansas State. The game kicked off senior weekend for the Warhawks, honoring seniors Taylor Wood, Presleigh Williams, Tara Jenkins and Sarah Woods.
In set one, ULM jumped out to a quick lead before ASU was able to tie it up and eventually win the set 25-21.
The back and forth play of set two was exciting and ended in a nail-biter. ASU was able to pull out set two 29-27.
Looking to avoid a sweep, ULM took a 9-4 lead in set three before ASU was able to catch up, taking set three 25-19. Arkansas State won the game 3-0.
Mikaela Worley was able to grab 15 kills in the loss. Tara Jenkins recorded 18 assists and Kate Blasingame registered 11 digs.
On Saturday, the Warhawks gathered for the final game against Arkansas-Little Rock. After a competetive game, ULM fell to UALR three sets to one. ULM finished the season with an 11-19 record overall and a 3-13 record in the conference.
The weekend marked the final games from seniors Wood, Williams, Jenkins and Woods. Starting last week, the official ULM Volleyball twitter page posted letters to the seniors from other teammates.
Sarah Woods, who is 3rd in blocks and 5th in kills on the team, received a letter from Mikaela Worley.
“From our first visit together to every family dinner we’ve shared, every day with you has been an adventure,” Worley said.
Tara Jenkins, who led the team in assists, had a letter written to her from Katie McKay.
“You are the sweetest, most helpful, selfless person I’ve ever met,” McKay said.
Catherine Griffith wrote a letter to Presleigh Williams, who was 2nd in assists on the team.
“You’re the kindest, most loyal and cheerful person I know,” Griffith said.
Taylor Wood, who led the team in blocks, received a letter from Alix Christie.
“I look up to you like a big sister. You have a big presence on our team and have made a big impact on my life,” Christie said.
The impact these four seniors have made on the team can not be understated and have contributed to a successful campaign this season.