NEW ORLEANS, La. – The ULM Warhawks rolled into New Orleans on Friday ready to take care of business. The Warhawks won their first two matches of the season by defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff and New Orleans.
"Today marked a new beginning and gave us an opportunity to leave a mark on the ULM volleyball program," said head coach Charlie Olson.
ULM picked up a 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 sweep over UAPB. ULM started the first set against UAPB strong with big kills by Kate Blasingame and Mikaela Worley. Blasingame ended the first game with 12 kills and Worley ended the game with seven.
McKinley Thiede and Darby Fisher proved to be a hot commodity during the game, using beautiful sets to gain points for the team. Thiede ended the match with 13 assists and Fisher ended the game with 12.
Worley wasn't just a killer during the game, she also kept the ball in play numerous times with 14 digs.
"I asked the team for a few things before the matches started: to compete, to stay positive and to earn it. Today, they earned it," Olson said.
After the Warhawks defeated the Golden Lions, ULM was tasked with taking on the host Privateers. ULM snapped a 10-match losing streak to the Privateers 3-1, winning 25-19, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20.
ULM got off to a quick start. Blasingame and Worley again jumped out in front to lead the Warhawks in kills during the match. Blasingame and Worley added another 11 kills apiece to their totals. Cali Assaley also showed her skills with seven kills against UNO.
Albany Schaffer added 14 digs to her season resume and brought her day one total up to 23. Thiede tallied 27 assists.
ULM will round out the New Orleans Invitational on Saturday against North Dakota. The match will start at noon.
"Tomorrow we have unfinished business," Olson said. "We plan to compete for a championship against North Dakota, but maintain our focus and come out of that game 1-0."
Links to live coverage for Saturday's game against North Dakota 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.
