MONROE, La. – It was much anticipated win for the ULM volleyball team as it finally broke a 15-game losing streak in a 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-19) win on Saturday at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
 
"It feels great to get our first conference win," head coach Matt Kearns said. "We've been working hard and getting better, and it's paying off."
 
The Warhawks (5-23 overall, 1-13 Sun Belt) also came into the day with a 44-match losing streak to Arkansas State (13-13, 3-11). ULM had not knocked off the Red Wolves on the volleyball court since 1989. The victory also snapped a 44-match Sun Belt Conference losing streak dating back to the first match of the 2021 conference schedule.
 
In the first set, it was a close affair from start to finish. With the score at a 15-14 Warhawk advantage, the Red Wolves put together a 6-1 scoring run to take control. They rode the momentum to a set one win.
 
In set two, ULM opened things up with a 5-1 start. With the score at 11-6, Arkansas State used a 7-2 run to tie the set at 13-13. ULM responded with four-straight points to regain the lead. The Red wolves tried to come back late and came close with a 24-23 score, but a final kill by Madeline Villareal secured the set for the Warhawks.
 
It was Arkansas State who started the set in control with a 3-0 start. With a 9-7 Red Wolve lead, the Warhawks produced a 7-2 run to take the lead.
 
After the media timeout, ULM produced a 5-1 scoring run to take a seven-point lead. The Red Wolves came within three late in the set, but two-more Warhawk points gave them the 2-1 set lead.
 
Bailey Roberson and the Warhawks wasted no time in the fourth set. With her serving, ULM jumped out to an 8-0 lead to start the set
 
"We have a great server in Roberson," Kearns said. "She has a really good feel on how to pick teams apart."
 
Arkansas State trailed by as much as 13 in the set. It scored 12 out of the next 14 points to attempt a comeback, but it was too late, and the Warhawks earned their first conference win of the season.
 
Ariana Brown led the way with 10 kills. Roberson had 21 assists, and Brynn Botkin led the team in digs with 12. Logan Jeffus also had nine total blocks in the game.
 
The Warhawks head into their final series of the regular season when they host Georgia State. Game one takes place at 6 p.m. Thursday.