NEW ORLEANS – The Privateers (0-4) opened their season at the Green Wave Invitational without a major victory, yet their determination towards progress was their ultimate takeaway.
The first day at White Sands for the Privateers consisted of matchups between both Southeastern and Concordia. UNO fell 1-3 and 0-5 respectively. On the second day of play, the Privateers battled against UAB and Tulane with both matches ending in a 0-5 defeat.
The Privateers' strongest results came from their flight two pairing of Ivana de Carvolho Peixe and Mono Salgado. Against Southeastern, the pair clenched the Privateers' only win of the weekend with a hard fought 3-set match. At one point in the first set, the pair held a 10-point lead over the Lady Lions before claiming the set. They fought until the very end for victory, claiming the third set 17-15. The pair also reached a third set on day two in their clash with Tulane–the only two to do so.
Ava Rixford and
Dayla Ward also found themselves in a third set against Southeastern, falling just short of victory with a 15-17 third set result.
New Orleans' team mentality was optimistic and determined. The scores did not dictate the team's mood. The team celebrated improvements made from their fall season performance. And the teams current focus in on the small wins like set victories and consistent serves. They weren't afraid to try new things within the matches to see where improvement could be found. Leaving White Sands, the team was proud of the strengths they saw in their performances while understanding that they have many areas that they can improve upon. They know their potential. The next step is to make it consistent. As stated by captain
Nikelle Lander, "This was the biggest opportunity to show our strengths and weaknesses. Glorify your strengths and learn from your weaknesses."
UP NEXT: New Orleans will travel to Lake Charles for the Cowgirl Beach Bash from Friday, February 28, to Saturday, March 1 to face Mary Hardin-Baylor and Sam Houston as well as two Southland opponents in Nicholls State and McNeese.
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