POSTMATCH INTERVIEWS
Coach Van Norden
Cara Sander
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers volleyball team (3-2) overcame 14 service errors to earn a 3-1 victory over the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions (0-4) 25-17, 16-25, 25-17, 25-19 in the opening match of the UNO Invitational on Friday night at the Human Performance Center.
It was a fast start for the Privateers who raced out to a 12-4 lead in the opening set. The Privateers were aided early by
Rondolyn Bryant who had three kills in that span and a couple of service errors by the Lady Lions to build a decisive early advantage that would not be relinquished. "We played a little sloppy tonight, but I'm proud of how the girls responded in timeouts," said Head Coach
Millicent Van Norden.
The Lady Lions took the second set behind strong play at the net on both sides. Arkansas-Pine Bluff broke open a 12-12 tie, and closed the set on a 13-4 run. In that set, Arkansas-Pine Bluff had four total blocks against the Privateers hitters.
New Orleans hit the reset button behind a solid team effort in the third set, but Bryant injured her ankle and had to exit the match. The Privateers showed depth though as
Ashley Everett and
Sophie Gracey combined for eight kills to aid a Privateers attack that got stronger in the final two sets.
In the fourth set, the Privateers hit .406 (17 kills, four errors in 32 attacks) to seal the victory.
Cara Sander had 15 kills and 11 digs. Bryant wound up with 10 kills before exiting due to injury.
Taylor Berry and
Kelsea Hundtoft added seven kills each.
Sara Hammoutene was in on 44 assists and
Celeste Ramirez had 14 digs.
The Lady Lions were led by Whitney Harris who had eight kills. Lauren Corby had seven kills in 10 attempts. Ashlie Jones and Ayanna Parker each added six kills. Jordan Foyer had 16 assists in the losing effort.
The Privateers look to cap an undefeated weekend in the "Battle for the Paddle" as they face the Alcorn State Lady Braves (2-0) at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
