In their home-opener, the Northwestern State University of Louisiana Lady Demons volleyball team fell 0-3 to the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) Warhawks on Tuesday night in Prather Coliseum during their annual “Military Appreciation” match.
The first set didn’t go the Demons’ way, ending with the Warhawks winning 25-17. The Lady Demons nearly closed the gap in the second set, which included seven lead changes, tying the score 10 different times during the set.
However, despite a great effort and rally by the Lady Demons, the Warhawks came out on top 25-23.
Deja Benjamin, senior middle blocker, had a standout night with six kills and eight points. Her kills and points helped the Lady Demons temporarily lead or tie the scoreboard.
“We started really well and had high energy, I just felt like we got too comfortable. But hey, it’s okay. We’re going to fight back and do better next time,” Benjamin said.
The third set also went in the Warhawks’ favor, the Lady Demons down 25-15, giving the Warhawks the win.
Samaya Wesson, a junior middle blocker, had a standout night, tying for the most kills with six and leading the team in blocks.
“I really think we fought hard, and we have more to give. I mean the Sun Belt Conference really doesn’t mean anything to me, it’s just like every other team. I think we have more to give this season, and I hope the conference looks better,” Wesson said.
After the loss, NSU now holds an overall record of 1-7. Ben Kaszeta, head volleyball coach, explained moving forward his team is going to show up and continue to work towards success.
“We haven’t identified what part will get us over that hump. They’ve been working hard. We showed up and tried to play those next points,” Kaszeta said.
As the Lady Demons look to break their seven game losing streak, the team will compete in the University of North Texas and University of Texas at Arlington (UNT-UTA) Invitational this weekend.
NSU will challenge the University of Arkansas at Little Rock at noon and UTA at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12 in Denton, Texas. On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Lady Demons will compete in a third game against UNT at 1 p.m. in Arlington, Texas.
