MONROE, La. – The ULM volleyball team dropped its 2023 home opener against South Alabama, 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 26-24), Thursday night at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
 
"We ran into a very good South Alabama team," head coach Matt Kearns said. "They're a really hard team to beat."
 
In the first set, the two teams went back and forth. With the score at 7-7, the Jaguars scored five in a row to gain control. They kept the momentum as ULM was unable to score consecutive points. The Warhawks tried for a late comeback with a 5-2 scoring run, but it was too much as South Alabama ended the set with two straight points.
 
In set two, the Jaguars started fast with a 7-1 run. With the lead at seven, the Warhawks scored three straight points to cut it to four. South Alabama used a 4-1 scoring to bring the lead back to seven. The Jaguars kept their foot on the gas as they cruised to an 11-point set win.
 
The two teams started close in the third set. With South Alabama up 8-5, the Warhawks used a 4-1 run to tie the set. The Jaguars then scored six out of the next seven points to gain a five-point lead. Trailing 21-16, ULM scored five unanswered to once again tie the set. With two 3-0 runs by each team, the game stood at 24-24. After two kills by the Jaguars, they won the set and completed the sweep.
 
Ariana Brown led the team in kills with 10. Bailey Roberson had 14 assists with Morgan Howard right behind her at 12. Cameron Rogers produced 10 kills, which led the team.
 
The Warhawks face the Jaguars again tomorrow at Fant-Ewing Coliseum. The game takes place at 2 p.m.