MONROE, La. – After sweeping Jackson State on Wednesday night, the ULM volleyball team hosts senior weekend against Texas State at 6 p.m. on Friday and UT Arlington at noon on Sunday.
"I feel as if the win against Jackson State was a foot in the right direction," head coach Charlie Olson said. "Winning is a lot of work and does not happen overnight. However, we are willing to put in the work and finish the season strong."
With the win over the Lady Tigers, the Warhawks (11-15, 1-9 Sun Belt) gained their 11th win of the season and matched last season's win total. The last time the team has won more than 11 games was back in 2015 with 14 wins.
First up for ULM is Texas State. The Bobcats (18-7, 10-1 Sun Belt) are on an eight-game win streak and are coming off of a 3-1 win over Coastal Carolina and a 3-2 win over Appalachian State. Texas State swept ULM in San Marcos back in September.
"It always makes a difference playing an opponent at home," Olson said. "It gives us a leg up not having to travel eight hours to compete. We get to defend our house."
The Bobcats will be led by Cheyenne Huskey, who is averaging 3.42 kills per set and leads the team with 43 service aces. Huskey will be joined by Emily Dewalt, who leads the team with 10.05 assists per set.
"Cheyenne is a stud and one of the likely candidates for player of the year," Olson said. "We respect her game and know she will get her kills, but it's our job to limit her as much as possible."
Brooke Johnson is another key player for Texas State, who leads the team with 2.61 digs per set. Tyeranee Scott and Jillian Slaughter have a combined 150 blocks. The team has a total of 180 blocks on the season.
"They block very well, but we shouldn't be scared of it," Olson said. "We will continue to play our game and spread out the offense."
After the Warhawks battle Texas State, ULM will host senior day against UT Arlington. Seniors Albany Schaffer, Katie McKay and Mikaela Worley will be honored during a pre-game ceremony.
The Mavericks (13-10, 5-6 Sun Belt) were on a three-game losing streak before sweeping Appalachian State and defeating Coastal Carolina in five sets last weekend. UT Arlington defeated ULM 3-1 in Arlington last month.
"They're coming off of a huge sweep in the Carolinas this past weekend and are feeling pretty good about themselves right now," Olson said. "Luckily, we get them on round two of their second straight road swing and it's our senior day. We have a lot to prove and we're excited that we get to rematch with them."
Brooke Townsend will lead the Mavericks into battle with 3.48 kills per set. Townsend is joined by Madelyn St. Germain, who has 23 service aces and is averaging 4.55 digs per set. Kylie Jedlicka joins St. Germain with 23 aces of her own.
Other key players include Jessica Stancliff, who is averaging 6.89 assists per set, and Bre Walp, who leads the team with 88 blocks.
"No attack worries me," Olson said. "Every team has their go-to players, good blockers, stellar setters and defensive dandies. Always respect the opponent, but know that we're coming to compete."
Links to live coverage, including video and stats, for Friday's game against Texas State and Sunday's game against UT Arlington can be found on the volleyball schedule page at ULMWarhawks.com. Follow along with all things Warhawk Volleyball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @ULM_VB.
