NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers (12-10, 6-4) once again rallied from a fifth set deficit in a thrilling 3-2 (25-23, 16-25, 23-25, 25-23, 22-20) victory over the UIW Cardinals (4-16, 3-7) on Thursday at the Human Performance Center.
With the win, the Privateers matched their best home start (8-0) which they achieved in 1998 and most recently in 2004.
Kristi Gomez had another huge day for the Privateers. After a 15-kill, 13-dig performance in San Antonio, Gomez went for 20 kills and 10 digs on Thursday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both sides had four looks at match point but it was New Orleans who ultimately prevailed. The Privateers erased a 13-9 deficit and got back on level terms with kills from four different players. From there, both teams were trading looks at match point. New Orleans saved all four attempts against them.
After a UIW service error gave New Orleans their fourth look at a match point,
Chandler Lee converted for her fourth kill of the set. Lee finished with 10 kills and four total blocks on the afternoon.
New Orleans' block was a big difference at several points of the match. Their five blocks helped wipe out a lead of UIW's that was as big as four at one point. The Cardinals also led 21-18 deep in the opening set when New Orleans rallied back.
The Privateers trailed 2-1 in the match as they did in San Antonio. However, as was the case on the road, the Privateers got an efficient offensive performance in the fourth set. New Orleans hit .351 with just two errors in 37 attempts.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals were held to a .174 attack percentage as New Orleans outlasted their opponents to force a fifth and deciding set.
Thursday marked the third consecutive five-set match the Privateers have won this season.
INSIDE THE BOX
Mauri Carver finished the day by hitting .632 with 13 kills on the afternoon. Carver was also in on five of the team's 17 blocks.
Sheilah Purcell recorded 36 digs and five assists.
Trinity Jackson had 10 kills over the last three sets.
Claire Turner finished with 35 assists while
Kamryn Scroggins added 26.
Lauren Harrell had six kills and five total blocks.
Courtney Roundtree finished with four total blocks.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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