HAMMOND, La. – The New Orleans Privateers volleyball team (6-15, 0-7 Southland) gained some early momentum, but ultimately fell 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 28-26) to the Southeastern Lady Lions (7-11, 4-2) on Saturday at the University Center.
The Privateers got out to a fast start, and led by as many as five points in the opening set behind three early kills from Brooklyn Frank and two service aces. After getting to a 13-8 lead, the Lady Lions responded with a 5-0 run to tie the set. In that span, New Orleans had three attack errors and another attack blocked at the net.
New Orleans fell behind shortly after, but kept the score close. After a three-point spurt pulled the Privateers to within two though, Southeastern used two kills on their side of the net to help close out the opening set 25-19.
Coach
Millicent Van Norden went with a different lineup, and changed liberos to start the second set. The set opened evenly with the Privateers trailing 6-5 after the first 11 rallies. However, Southeastern hit a 6-0 run shortly after to grow their lead to seven points. Southeastern never seized command of the set and took a 2-0 lead to the half.
The Privateers had a sharp middle of the third set keyed by strong blocking. After both sides started evenly,
Ashley Everett was in on three blocks in a span of four rallies to give New Orleans a 13-10 lead. New Orleans led by as many as six, but could not stave off a Southeastern rally. The Privateers successfully defended against match point twice, but Southeastern ended the match on a kill by Elizabeth Ramee.
Cara Sander led the Privateers in kills with six and service aces with four.
Kelsea Hundtoft had five kills in 15 attempts, and
Sophie Gracey added four kills including one that gave the Privateers set point and a 24-23 lead in the third set. Everett was in on four blocks at the net and
Lauren Levy led the way in digs with 18.
Celeste Ramirez had 14 digs and 13 assists.
Southeastern sported a balanced attack led by Sarah Friedman's 10 kills. Following closely behind were Landry Bullock with nine kills, and Rachael Bunn and Tiffany Thomas with eight each. Parrie Hartley was held to just three kills and had five errors in 16 attempts. Southeastern had 51 kills on the match to just 25 for New Orleans.
The Privateers will next travel to Natchitoches to face Northwestern State on Thursday, Oct. 16.
