ARLINGTON, Texas – 10 kills apiece by sophomore duo Hadley Swartz and Hope Pawlik could not lift the ULM Volleyball team past UT Arlington as the Mavericks defeated the Warhawks in straight sets (25-22, 25-17, 25-19) Sunday afternoon at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas.
"We certainly played better today," head coach Patrick Hiltz said. "UTA had some hitters that can really bring it. Our defense at the net still needs to get better. Overall though I am pleased. We were able to execute some of the changes we made. We got situations we wanted and just made a few too many mistakes in those situations. Once we learn to keep calm in those spots, we will begin to win some of these sets we are dropping."
Senior Marcela Araya covered the entire court on the defensive end, collecting a match and season-high 26 digs to raise her average to an impressive 5.53 digs per set. The Costa Rice native has tallied an outstanding seven 20-dig performances already.
Freshman Bayleigh Hoffman recorded 30 assists and 10 digs to earn her team-high fifth double-double of the year. Swartz went over the 10-kill mark for the seventh time, including three times in the past four matches.
On top of those 10 kills, Pawlik totaled 10 digs to pick up her second double-double of the season for ULM (6-12, 0-5 Sun Belt). The Texas native has now eclipsed the double-digit mark for the seventh time in 2014.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Shearer chipped in with eight kills and a team-high four blocks in the effort, while Kimberlie Alvarado and Alannah Cullum added three kills each.
The Mavericks (13-3, 3-1 Sun Belt) edged out the Warhawks 25-22 in a back-and-forth set one that included six tie scores and two lead changes. The next two stanzas involved 10 total tie scores and three lead changes but ULM was not able to overcome UT Arlington at its own place.]
"We will get there, Hiltz added. "I have every bit of confidence in this group. Once we get one win, I predict we will get many more after that. We just need to learn how to win."
The Warhawks return to action Friday on the road against Arkansas State Friday. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
