THE BASICS
Score: ULM 0 – MTSU 3
(25-16, 25-21, 25-17)
Record: ULM (0-1, 0-0 SBC)
MTSU (1-0, 0-0 CUSA)
Location: Knoxville, Tenn. (Thompson-Boling Arena)
Monroe, La. – The ULM volleyball team opened its season Friday afternoon with a 3-0 loss to Middle Tennessee State University in the opening match of the Tennessee Invitational.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Warhawks had a rocky start in set one as the Blue Raiders captured the momentum right away and created as much as a nine-point deficit that ULM struggled to close.
Set two saw ULM come the closest to swiping a set from Middle Tennessee as the Warhawks tied the score at 19. Despite the push from the Warhawks, MTSU regained the lead and closed the set 25-21.
In set three, the Warhawks continued to struggle, but with Hope Pawlik at the service line the Warhawks made a six-point run in attempt to close the scoring gap. Despite the effort from ULM, Middle Tennessee picked up right where they left off with a 3-1 run to close out the match.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
-ULM posted its highest team hitting percentage in set two (0.265) as well as its highest total team kills (13).
-ULM was led by Hope Pawlik with nine kills, 0.905 receive percentage and six digs.
-Tara Jenkins fed the offense with 14 total assists for an average of 4.67 assists per set.
-Kacey LeBanc led the defense with eight digs for an average of 2.67 digs per set.
-Kaitlyn Shearer held her own at the net with six total block assists in the match.
FROM COACH HILTZ
"We did some things very well. There were several things that clearly need work. The goal now is to continue to do those things we did well while improving on the areas that need it. Overall, there were too many areas that weren't smooth so we didn't get the outcome on the scoreboard we wanted. That being said, the team stayed very positive throughout and we fought back from big deficits several times. That is encouraging for me as we move forward."
What we did well: "Our block was very good today. Kailtyn came off the bench and was a real spark for us both from a block standpoint as well as being an energy spark for us."
What we didn't do well: "Unfortunately, one of the areas that we were off on tonight was serve receive. Everything stems from serve receive so when thats not going well it's tough."
UP NEXT
The Warhawks will remain in Knoxville, Tenn. as the team will face Tennessee at 11:00 a.m. CST and Cincinnati at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon to wrap up their opening weekend.
