NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans did not trail until the
third set in defeating Bowling Green 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-22) in their
first match at the Radisson New Orleans Airport Privateer Invitational
on Friday night.
UNO (2-2) extended their home win streak to six matches as the offense hit .287 for the match against a BG (4-1) that entered the contest undefeated.
Mario Szivos had a match-high 13 kills while
Lindsey Loyd followed with 12 of her own.
Cassidy Asebroek led both teams with 33 assists while
Nicky Valenti continued her strong play with 14 digs.
The Falcons received eight kills from Shari Luther with Emily Kauth tallying seven. Allison Kearney set up 28 kills from the setter position with Alex Zlabis rounding out the Falcon efforts with 11 digs.
On Asebroek's serve, the Privateers stormed out of the gate at the onset of the match with three straight points.
UNO would only add to the lead on the back of a .367 hitting percentage, extending their advantage to as many as nine points on way to a 25-16 set win.
As they did in the first set, BG was forced to play from behind in the second frame with the Privateers again opening with a 3-0 lead. The Falcons got within one at 16-15 before UNO scored four straight points to take command and eventually a 2-0 lead into the break.
Looking to hold off UNO, BG took their first lead of the match at 5-4 in the third set. The Falcons gained an advantage at 11-10 and would not see another one until 21-20, their last of the match.
The Privateers will continue play on Saturday at 10 a.m. against Southeastern Louisiana, before facing Texas Tech at 7 p.m.
