HOUSTON, Texas – The New Orleans Privateers (11-10, 5-4) grabbed an early lead but it could not hold up as they were defeated 3-1 (17-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-15) by the HCU Huskies (15-7, 7-2) on Saturday at Sharp Gym.
HOW IT HAPPENED
New Orleans jumped out to a lead as they took the opening set but the Huskies battled back and had some crucial spurts over the remaining three sets.
In the deciding fourth set, the score was tied at 5-5 when HCU proceeded to go on a 7-1 run. Two kills by Sara Arroyo helped HCU to a six-point advantage.
The Privateers were able to close the gap to 13-11 with a five-point run on their own but that was as close as they got for the remainder of the set.
The Privateers battled back from an early 8-5 deficit to take a 13-12 lead. Then,
Claire Turner's service rotation which included an ace accounted for three straight points. New Orleans continued to add to the lead as the Huskies were limited to a .103 attack percentage in the opening set.
With the score tied at 11-11 in the second set, the Huskies block had a big spurt that keyed a 5-0 run. Three blocks in that stretch gave the Huskies a 16-11 lead. New Orleans got back to within two, but that was as close as the score read for the remainder of the set. The Huskies registered six total blocks in the set.
New Orleans led for most of the early part of the third set and had an advantage of 15-11. However, the Huskies steadily chipped away and got to level terms at 19-19. From there, the offense for HCU generated four kills and had two service aces to close out the set in their favor.
INSIDE THE BOX
Sophia Ewalefo registered her seventh double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs.
Kristi Gomez posted 13 kills and
Sheilah Purcell had 17 digs.
Mauri Carver was in on four total blocks.
Rita Zecchin reached double figures in digs with 13.
NEXT UP
The Privateers return home to face UIW on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.
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