BEAUMONT, Texas – The New Orleans Privateers (11-9, 5-3) had to battle back from early deficits and were defeated 3-1 (25-14, 25-19, 21-25, 25-12) by the Lamar Cardinals (7-12, 1-7) on Thursday evening at McDonald Gym.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cardinals got out to a fast start with a .333 attack percentage in the opening set. Lamar also had four total blocks at the net and closed out the opening set by scoring on the last three rallies. The Cardinals also served four aces in the first set.
New Orleans battled back from a large early deficit in the second set. After falling behind 13-4, New Orleans was on the comeback trail. A couple of mini runs helped trim the gap to 18-12. Then a spurt of five straight points including kills by three different Privateers cut the Lamar lead to just one point.
However, the Cardinals regrouped and closed out the set on a 7-2 run. Two more service aces came in that stretch from Lamar to help the home team gain a 2-0 lead in the match.
The Privateers again had to battle from behind in the third set but a big service rotation keyed by two service aces from
Rita Zecchin helped erase an early five-point deficit. New Orleans took the lead on a kill by
Sophia Ewalefo to make it 18-17.
From there, the Privateers never trailed and went on a 5-1 spurt to close the set.
Lauren Harrell had four kills to help pace the offense and keep the match going.
In the deciding set though it was the Cardinals again who delivered the first big shot. This time it was a 6-1 run that put New Orleans on their heels. The Cardinals hit .448 in that final set and outpaced the Privateers in the kill department 15-6.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Kristi Gomez racked up 11 kills to lead the offense. Harrell finished with eight kills and hit .316. All three setters played as
Kamryn Scroggins returned to the lineup and had 14 assists.
Rita Zecchin had 11 digs while
Sheilah Purcell finished with nine.
Gomez, Harrell and
Sydney Gott each had three total blocks.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will play their first of two matches this season against HCU on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Sharp Gym.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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