HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The New Orleans Privateers volleyball team (2-2) got off to a fast start but fell on the short end of a couple of tight sets in a 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Mississippi State Bulldogs (4-0) on Friday at Reed Green Coliseum.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Brianna Vega racked up 19 kills to lead the offense.
Andrea Nava posted 24 digs.
Lucie Pokorna added 11 digs, 46 assists, and three service aces.
Ehize Omoghibo (13) and
Rhyan Rand (12) also landed in double figures in kills. Rand had four blocks
FIRST SET
The Privateers got a strong start from Vega and pushed to an early 7-4 lead. The Bulldogs then ripped off a run where they scored eight of the next 13 points to take a two-point lead. However, it was all New Orleans from there. Omoghibo had four kills to lead the Privateers to an opening set victory of 25-18.
SECOND SET
The Bulldogs got off to a quick start and built up a 15-10 lead. New Orleans had an answer though with a 9-2 run that vaulted them in front. Mississippi State had a mini surge toward the end of the set, keyed by a combination block from Gabby Waden and Paige Shaw to give them their first look at set point. The Privateers took it to extra rallies, but Mississippi State scored the last two points with the set finisher coming on a block.
THIRD SET
It was a quick start for Mississippi State with a four-point lead out of the gate. The Privateers erased that deficit and took a 20-18 lead late on. Vega had six kills in the set, but the Bulldogs again persevered in extra rallies, taking the set 26-24.
FOURTH SET
After a 17-6 lead was amassed, Mississippi State was able to hold off a late Privateer charge. The Bulldogs collected five aces amid their 11-point advantage. New Orleans closed the gap to five but could not draw closer.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will face host school, Southern Miss at 12:30 p.m. and Arkansas State later in the day at 5 p.m. to close their participation in the Southern Miss Volleyball Classic.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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