NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers Volleyball team dropped a tough match to Southland Conference rival Houston Baptist Huskies 3-0 at the Human Performance Center Saturday afternoon.
The Privateers (3-18, 0-8 SLC) hung tough in the first set as it was back and forth all through the first part of the set, but HBU opened up a five point lead at 19-14. The Huskies never looked back as they took set number one 25-18.
In the second set, HBU (8-11, 3-4 SLC) got ahead early on a 5-0 run to make it 8-2. UNO stayed within six most of the way until HBU got a 6-0 run to make it 23-10 and closed it out to take the second set 25-12.
The Privateers kept it close early in the third set but got behind after a 4-0 run by the Huskies to make it 7-3. UNO closed within three to cut the HBU lead to 12-9, but the Huskies took control of the set and closed it out after a 13-4 run to win the set 25-13.
Ariane Labrzycki and
Lauren Levy led the way defensively as they combined for 23 digs.
Celeste Ramirez had a solid game up front as she tallied 16 assists, and sophomore
Alyssa Podwell led the way on offense with seven kills.
Taylor Berry and
Kelsea Hundtoft each added four kills each.
The Huskies led a strong defensive effort led by Haley Hoffman, who had 14 digs. Teammates Haley Mueller and Jessica Wooten also had 10 digs a piece. Madeline Gaffney led the Huskies' offense with 13 kills, and Bailey Keith served up three aces for HBU.
The Privateers look to close out their three game home-stand Tuesday night as they host in-state and SLC rival Southeastern at the HPC. The match gets underway at 7 p.m. UNO follows that with a two-game trip to Texas for matches with Sam Houston State and Lamar to round out the week.
