JONESBORO, Ark.-The ULM Warhawks (4-9, 0-4 Sun Belt) dropped their fourth straight match in 3-0 fashion as the Arkansas State Red Wolves (11-8, 2-2 Sun Belt) edged out the sweep Sunday afternoon.
The Warhawks received a solid effort from senior outside hitter
Samantha Morse, who recorded 14 kills and hit at a .345 clip as well as two total blocks (one solo, one assist). Fellow senior outside hitter
Zuzana Markova chipped in nine kills and 11 assists and three total blocks (one solo, two assists). Junior middle blocker
Maria Garcia paced the defense with four block assists.
ULM began the first set with a 3-0 lead before Arkansas State would take over, leading 10-6 before the Warhawks drew things back even at 10. The Red Wolves, however, would close the opening set on a 15-7 rally to win 25-17 and go up 1-0 in the match.
The second set was the most dramatic set the Warhawks have played in since Sun Belt play began last weekend. In a very back-and-forth set in which neither team led by more than three (ULM, 4-1). The set also featured 11 ties, including as late as 24 all. The Warhawks stayed off a chance for Arkansas State to take the set 25-23 with a big kill from Morse that tied things at 24. However, the Red Wolves' Kelsie Hodges rallied the next two points to give Arkansas State the set, 26-24, and a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
In the third set, Arkansas State edged out to a 9-5 lead before ULM scored the next three points to draw within one. However, the Red Wolves would pull away on a 17-9 rally to win the set 25-18 and the match 3-0.
ULM heads back to Monroe for a Friday night match against Middle Tennessee for the first of two home matches this coming weekend. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the ULM Activity Center.
