The University of Louisiana at Monroe women’s volleyball team suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss on August 31st to the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks, (25-23, 25-11, 24-26, 17-25, 15-5.)
ULM (0-3) opened the match up 12-6 in the first set, but the Ladyjacks outlasted the Warhawks to take the opening set.
The second set would be a dominating one for Stephen F. Austin (2-2), as ULM trailed all the way through, nearing defeat after only two sets.
However, the Warhawks showed no signs of quitting and battled back thanks to a seven-point run early in the third set. The Warhawks were able to win the third set on a close call, giving them some life with a 2-1 deficit.
ULM carried that momentum into the fourth set, as three runs of at least five points where enough to take the fourth set and to force a deciding fifth set.
However, the Warhawks ran out of gas, and did not take control in the fifth and final set, losing 3-2.
Four Warhawks posted career-highs, including international newcomer Blanca Ocana and Senior Stephanie Wardach who had 15 and 10 kills, respectively.
Both players would also record double-doubles, along with junior setter Meghan McCoy, thanks to their dig totals, where Christy Tribble had a team-high of 32 in the contest.
Ocana’s day of 15 kills and 19 digs, continues to show her aggressiveness in the young season.
Ocana now leads ULM with 42 kills and averages 3.5 per set thus far.
Wardach recorded 10 kills and 11 digs, and McCoy chipped in with 12 digs and 32 assists to round out the double-doubles for ULM.
Stephen F. Austin’s Mary Caitlin Bottles had a game high 20 kills and Allison Gideon recorded a game high 47 assists.
The Warhawks will try for a win on September 10-11th when they participate in the McNeese State Tournament in Lake Charles.
ULM opens tournament play on Sept. 10 against Northwestern St., while New Orleans and tournament host McNeese wait for them on Sept. 11.
