YOUNGSVILLE, LA. - The University of New Orleans beach volleyball team (7-6, 0-1SLC) concluded day one of the Sugar Beach Bash with a resounding 4-1 victory over Southern Miss on Friday. The Privateers showcased their resilience, bouncing back from an early 3-2 loss to HCU.
New Orleans was led by senior
Bria Garmon and sophomore
Maria Ozaeta, who bolstered a team-best 9-2 record, remaining undefeated throughout the day.
The Privateers stumbled in their first match against HCU, but despite being down 2-0 early, junior
Serena Baumgart and freshman
Anne Marie Hardouin earned the first point for New Orleans in a deciding set. While HCU clinched the match at court two in straight sets, Garmon and Ozaeta gave New Orleans its second and final point.
Against Southern Miss, New Orleans found their rhythm with courts four and five setting the tone early and giving the Privateers a 2-0 advantage.
Junior Ivana de Carvahlo Peixe and freshman
Nikelle Lander exhibited dominance, seizing control with consecutive blocks and winning both sets 22-20. Though the battle was fierce, the Privateers couldn't be denied, clinching victory with a stellar performance from seniors
Hannah Volpi and
Valerie Vujnovich at court three.
After the fourth point was earned by Garmon and Ozaeta at court one, New Orleans went for the sweep at court two, but came up just shy in a deciding set.
UP NEXT: New Orleans will face a pair of tough opponents in #20 Tampa and UAB Saturday with the first match slated for noon.
Houston Christian 3, New Orleans 2
1. Maria Ozaeta/Bria Garmon (UNO) def. Kristen Horner/Abbie Butkins (HCU) 21-17, 21-18
2. Rachel Heilburn/Kristin Gilmour (HCU) def. Hannah Volpi/Valerie Vujnovich (UNO) 21-18, 21-17
3. Anne Marie Hardouin/Serena Baumgart (UNO) def. Paige Palmer/Kylann Griffin (HCU) 21-14, 18-21,15-11
4. Mary Alper/Tatum Lochhardt (HCU) def. Nikelle Lander/ Ivana de Carvalho Peixe (UNO) 14-21, 21-17, 15-11
5. (HCU) def. Rita Zecchin/ Stefanie Gonzalez (UNO) 21-18, 21-16
New Orleans 4, Southern Miss 1
1. Maria Ozaeta/Bria Garmon (UNO) def. (USM) 21-18, 21-17
2. (USM) def. Anne Marie Hardouin/Serena Baumgart (UNO) 21-17,16-21,15-11
3. Hannah Volpi/Valerie Vujnovich def.(USM) 21-13, 21-17
4. Nikelle Lander/Ivana de Carvalho Peixe (UNO) def. (USM) 22-20, 22-20
5. Rita Zecchin/ Stefanie Gonzalez (UNO) def. (USM) 21-23, 21-17,16-14
FOLLOW US
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersBeach on Twitter, @PrivateersBeach on Instagram, like /PrivateersBeach on Facebook and subscribe to the PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe! Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
