Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s Lady Demons (1-21) faced the Lamar University Cardinals (12-11) on Oct. 23 at Prather Coliseum for ‘Volleyween’ night.
The Lady Demons went into the Southland Conference (SLC) match 0-8 in conference play and trying to break their 21-game losing streak, while the Lamar Cardinals had won their last five games, which were all SLC matchups.
The first set went to the Cardinals, as they defeated the Lady Demons 25-14; however, some players did step up. Jade Longlad, junior setter, had 10 assists in the first set.
“I felt really great! I definitely had a lot of adrenaline, considering it was the first time being in that role this season,” she said. Longlad led the team in assists, finishing the night with 18.
NSU put up a better fight in the second set but Lamar won 25-16, going up 2-0 on the Lady Demons.
The third set had several strong points for the Lady Demons but ultimately went to the Cardinals, winning 25-12 and beating the Lady Demons.
The loss extended the Lady Demons’ losing streak to 22, as now they sit at 1-22 for the season, and are currently last in SLC with a record of 0-9.
Lamar brought their winning streak to six wins in a row, with an overall record of 13-11. The win against the Lady Demons makes their conference record 6-3 in SLC play, tying the Cardinals for fourth place in conference standings.
Despite the loss, the Lady Demons did have several large accomplishments throughout the night.
Samaya Wesson, junior middle blocker, reached 300 career kills and 200 career blocks.
“It makes me feel good, I mean it’s been a long journey. I didn’t originally start here, but since I’ve been here I’ve felt like I’ve had so much support,” Wesson said. “I couldn’t have done it without my team, my coaches and the staff that support me in every way they can.”
The Lady Demons look to get back in the winning column against Stephen F. Austin State University on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 12 p.m. in Prather Coliseum.
The Ladyjacks sit at a 13-7 overall record with a 8-1 conference record, tied for first in the conference.
“Stephen F. Austin is phenomenal too, they have a relentless attack. We all look at Stephen F. as the epitome,” Kaszeta said. “That’s a school we’re all chasing, that’s the school we want to be like. So Saturday, we get to come in against the best and give it everything we have.”
