TROY, Ala. – For the first time since 2011, the ULM volleyball team completed a season sweep over a Sun Belt opponent as the Warhawks rallied back to down Troy, 3-2 (18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-17, 18-16) on a Friday night thriller at the Trojan Arena in Alabama.
“All the things we have been preaching this season finally came together,” ULM head coach Patrick Hiltz said. “Our middles were unbelievably good for us. The outsides took care of the ball. Hitters were aggressive when they needed to be and smart about placing shots when the situation called for caution.”
On the verge of defeat trailing 14-12 in the decisive fifth set, head coach Patrick Hiltz called a timeout to discuss strategy. The move paid off as ULM scored three consecutive points to go up before trading the next couple of points late in the set.
Tied at 16-16, Jennifer McClendon hammered down a ball from Bayleigh Hoffman before McClendon blocked Marija Zelenovic for ULM's first conference road win since 2011.
Hope Pawlik picked up her fifth double-double of the season en route to a team-high 17 kills. The sophomore also added 15 digs, the second best mark on the team.
Bayleigh Hoffman was phenomenal, assisting on 50 of the team kills, a career-high for the freshman. The first year setter also collected nine digs during the effort.
“Bayleigh ran a balanced offense all night and keeps maturing as our floor leader,” Hiltz added. “Marcela ran the defense like a champion. Her leadership allowed the others around her to have a great night defensively.”
The Warhawks stormed back to pick up the second set, 25-21 to equalize the match heading into the intermission.
After the Trojans went up 2-1, ULM climbed its way back once again, dominating the fourth set, 25-17. However, the Warhawks prevailed with clutch play down the stretch.
Opposite Pawlik, fellow sophomore Hadley Swartz registered an equivalent 17 kills to go along with 13 digs for her second double-double of the year.
Not only did McClendon clinch the road triumph for the Warhawks, but the freshman registered a career-high 13 kills and led all scorers with an outstanding .435 efficiency percentage to go with three blocks.
Kaitlyn Shearer continues her dominance in the middle, hitting .409 with 12 kills and three blocks.
Marcela Araya dominated on the defensive end once again, tallying a team-high 17 digs and two service aces.
“I am really pleased with the way we maintained emotional control during the match,” Hiltz added. “Even down late in the fifth set, we stayed confident and poised. We showed a great amount of support and trust tonight. I'm proud of my team and our progress.”
The Warhawks aim for their second straight conference win Saturday in Atlanta when ULM battles Georgia State at 7 p.m. (ET)
