BOONE, N.C. – The ULM volleyball team's valiant comeback effort was not enough as Appalachian State collects a decisive fifth set to squeak past the Warhawks, 3-2 (25-22, 27-25, 27-29, 25-21, 15-9) Sunday afternoon at the Holmer Center in Boone, N.C.
"We weren't able to do what we needed to do from a win-loss standpoint this weekend," head coach Patrick Hiltz said. "However, we seem to have found ourselves on this longest round trip of the season. Our match tonight was an example of what we can do when we play together, play for each other, and play with no fear."
Sophomore duo Hadley Swartz and Hope Pawlik were on fire all match, for ULM 6-17, 1-10 Sun Belt) as both outside hitters eclipsed the double-digit kill mark for the 10th time this season.
Swartz collected 17 kills, six digs, two aces and two blocks. Pawlik was just shy of a double-double after amassing a season-high 19 kills to go with nine digs, one ace and one block.
On the verge of defeat down two sets to none, ULM was able to regroup during intermission. Tied at 25-25 late in set three, the WARHAWKS capitalized on a Mountaineers (17-4, 7-4 Sun Belt) error and a Hope Pawlik kill to capture their first set of the weekend.
A dominant 25-21 fourth set triumph by ULM forced a final stanza. However, Appalachian State got back on track to clinch the final set (15-9) and there first victory over the Warhawks in program history.
Marcela Araya was downright dominant on the defensive side of the ball with arguably her best match of the year. The senior libero tallied a season-high 40 digs to go with five assists and two aces.
Bayleigh Hoffman picked up the eighth double-double of her career. The freshman from York, Pa. notched 46 assists, 13 digs and four blocks. Sophomore Kaitlyn Shearer blocked a career-high seven balls, while adding nine kills on 24 swings (.208).
Despite playing only three sets, Baylee Willingham finished second on the team with 15 digs. Jennifer McClendon and Kimberlie Alvarado chipped in with six kills and five kills, respectively.
"Unfortunately we weren't able to get the win from it but we may look back at this match as the turning point for us," Hiltz added. "I'm hopeful we finally learned to play the way we are capable of playing. We will find outon Friday."
The Warhawks return to action Friday at home versus South Alabama. First serve is set for 6 p.m. inside the Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
