NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The ULM volleyball team fell to Houston Baptist, 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-21), in the final match of the weekend at Shelton Gym in Nacogdoches, Texas.
 
"Today gave us a new challenge against another solid opponent," ULM head volleyball coach Charlie Olson said. "HBU is very physical, not only attacking at the net, but from the service line as well. Despite the 3-0 loss, we looked much sharper than yesterday and left Nacogdoches in much better shape than when we arrived."
 
Houston Baptist slowly built a six-point lead in the first set, going up 15-9. The Warhawks managed to work the gap down to two at 15-13 on a block by sophomore Kathryn Raschilla and senior Ina Gosen. However, the Huskies regained the momentum and built the lead back out to seven at 22-15. ULM battled back with six straight points, with the last three coming on attack errors by HBU, to pull within a point at 22-21. HBU responded once again, this time with the four of the final five points of the set to take the first frame, 25-22.
 
In the second set, ULM took a 5-4 lead on a kill by senior Catherine Griffith. HBU took control with an 11-2 run to go on top 15-7. The Warhawks earned five straight points to get back within three at 15-12 on a kill by junior Cali Assaley. However, HBU pulled back away and led by as much as 11 down the stretch, eventually winning the second set 25-16.
 
In the final set, HBU claimed a quick 5-1 lead, but ULM never let them lead by more than four for the remainder of the set. ULM made a move midway through the set. Senior Haley Coulter picked up a pair of kills sandwiched around an attack error by HBU as the Warhawks tied the set at 20. HBU answered with the next four points and held off the Warhawk rally for a 25-21 win in the third set to take the match, 3-0.
 
"Each week, this team will get better," Olson said. "That's the task I give them every single day: 1% growth. It will start with practice on Monday."
 
Coulter led the Warhawks with nine kills and 13 digs. Junior McKinley Thiede picked up 12 assists while freshman Karson Davis had 12. Freshman Chloe Jordan tallied 10 digs.
 
"This weekend gave us a game plan on how to prepare for the next week of non-conference play," Olson said. "We're excited to set up a rematch with SFA and play a conference foe, South Alabama, in a non-con format."
 
The Warhawks are back in action Friday in Mobile, Alabama, to face Stephen F. Austin and South Alabama.