JONESBORO, Ark. – Kate Blasingame paced the Warhawk volleyball offense with 11 kills and a hitting percentage of .320, but it wasn't enough as Arkansas State swept ULM, 3-0 on Saturday night in the final match of the season.
"After the game, I thanked our three seniors and told them how much we appreciated what they gave to this program and that we loved them," head coach Charlie Olson said. "I also asked that each girl give them a hug and thank them as well. It was an awesome moment that I will never forget."
The Red Wolves (16-12, 7-9 Sun Belt) jumped out to a quick lead in set one, but back-to-back kills by Mikaela Worley and Alix Christie were able to give the Warhawks (12-20, 2-14 Sun Belt) a 3-2 lead. Arkansas State bounced back, but a solo block by Christie, followed by a Blasingame kill gave ULM a 7-6 lead.
The Red Wolves pounced and moved out to a staggering 18-9 lead. An ace by Darby Fisher slowed Arkansas State's momentum briefly, however, the Red Wolves cruised on to a 25-17 set one win.
ULM started things slowly in the second set, but back-to-back kills by Worley and Christie cut the Warhawks' deficit to 3-2. The Red Wolves again took control, but ULM bounced back and two kills by Lauren Appelman cut its deficit to 8-6.
Arkansas State again rolled on to a large lead and never looked back, winning set two 25-17.
"It was a slow start for us," Olson said. "We made the adjustments in the second set and they just found ways to get kills faster than us."
The Red Wolves again jumped out to a 3-0 lead to start set three before a block by Worley and Christie tied the set up at four. The Warhawks stayed in control and took a 13-11 lead, but Arkansas State went on an 8-1 run to take a 19-14 lead.
"We started playing some great volleyball in set three," Olson said. "We come up a little bit short. I'm so glad we competed from start to finish."
An ace by McKinley Thiede cut the deficit to 20-19, but ULM never regained control and the Red Wolves took set three, 25-21.
"When the match was over, we huddled up tight and I told them to pick their chins up and put a smile on their face," Olson said. "Playing for ULM volleyball is an honor and a privilege, and we represented our team and university very well."
The Warhawks end the season with 12 wins, which is one more win than last year. It is also the most wins for the program since 2015.
"I'm so thankful for what we've accomplished this season," Olson said. "We are just scratching the surface of big things to come. Know that you can, and you will. I know we will."
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