POSTMATCH INTERVIEWS
Coach Van Norden
Brooklyn Frank
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers volleyball team (4-2) survived some long sets in a 3-0 win over the Alcorn State Lady Braves (2-2) 25-21, 25-22, 25-16 to win the "Battle for the Paddle" on Saturday at the Human Performance Center.
The Privateers endured another injury in the first set as
Cara Sander injured her ankle while at the net. Coach
Millicent Van Norden went to Brooklyn Frank who helped the Privateers take charge toward the end of the first set with two key kills that sparked a four-point run to put New Orleans ahead 21-18.
"Brook has been one of our best passers in the serve-receive game, and today she took some smart shots in helping our attack," said Van Norden. "We needed her to step up today, and she did."
In the second set, New Orleans got some huge contributions at the net from
Ashley Everett who had three blocks in the set to help guide the Privateers to a narrow 25-22 decision. Everett wound up with seven kills and four total blocks on the match.
"Ashley's a really strong, fast player. Today I felt she was a lot smarter at the net," said Van Norden. "I am excited to see our continued improvement in all phases of the game, and how respond to the challenges ahead."
New Orleans was locked in a tight battle in the third set. Tied at 15-15 and with
Kelsea Hundtoft on serve, the Privateers pulled away with a decisive eight-point run behind Hundtoft's service game. Hundtoft also tied a team-high with 12 kills.
Mikayla Sellers-Wiebe had 12 kills and nine digs.
Sara Hammoutene had 32 assists.
Celeste Ramirez took over at setter in the third set and added 12 assists along with 14 digs.
Lauren Levy played the final set at libero and contributed 11 digs.
Alcorn State's attack was paced by Heather Jackson and Brittney Dumas who each had six kills. Vanessa Ortega added 16 digs. Brisha Coffee had the team's only block on the match. The Lady Braves had an attack percentage of just .071.
With the win, New Orleans surpassed last season's win total. The victory also signaled the sixth invitational hosted in New Orleans that the Privateers won. The homestand concludes on Tuesday night against Southern Miss with a first serve at 7 p.m.
