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Columbia, S.C. – Down two sets to none, ULM rallied back for three straight points to beat Jacksonville University, 3-2, Saturday morning in the first match of the Carolina Classic, marking the first time in program history sand volleyball has opened the season with a victory.
“This was a fantastic team win for us,” head coach David Fischer said. “All six of our pairs are new this year, and each got better throughout their match.”
Trailing early, the Warhawks swept a crucial second set at the number one, three and five positions to take the match.
Top duo Marcela Araya and Michelle McNamee broke the shutout after cruising past Kelly Koop and Maya Prestes in straight sets, 21-11, 21-15.
“Our new top pair of Marcela and Michelle took care of business, but every other match was a bear,” Fischer added.
At the five slot, Taylor Zaeske and Kaitlyn Shearer cruised past their competition to even the match at one set apiece.
After splitting the first two sets, senior Alannah Cullum and freshman transfer Claire Crossfield closed out the victory with a third set triumph, 15-11.
“Congrats to Taylor Zaeske for her first win, and also to Claire who ended up clenching the dual for us with our veteran Alannah,” Fischer said. “Letting JU win at the 2-4-6 was not some grand plan we had, but it made the unlikely comeback really satisfying.”
ULM looks to make it two-straight over South Carolina tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. The match will be aired live via SEC Network and SEC Network + as part of one of the first ever national televised events for the sport.
Be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news, scores and highlights.
Results – ULM 3, Jacksonville 2 – Carolina Sand Volleyball Complex
No. 1 | Araya/McNamee over Koop/Prestes: 21-11, 21-15.
No. 2 | Pawlik/Lindstrom def. by Strausbaugh/Laskelle: 18-21, 21-18, 15-10.
No. 3 | Cullum/Crossfield over Gesualdo/Finan: 19-21, 21-11, 15-12.
No. 4 | Swartz/Hoffman def. by Gresham/Swan: 21-17, 16-21, 15-11.
No. 5 | Shearer/Zaeske over Nushtayeva/Barnett: 21-10, 22-20.
Exhib | Arnason/Flores def. by McMahon/Babowicz: 21-19, 12-21, 15-12.
