Volleyball: Five-Set Thriller in Arlington Ends in Ragin’ Cajuns Favor

ARLINGTON, Texas – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball picked up a key Sun Belt Conference victory on Saturday, defeating UT Arlington 3-2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 16-25, 17-15) at the College Park Center.
 
With the win Louisiana (13-13, 5-7 Sun Belt) remained one game behind Arkansas State in the win column for the fourth and final Sun Belt Tournament spot from the West Division. The Ragin’ Cajuns play three of their final four matches, including the season finale vs. ASU, at Earl K. Long Gym.
 
The five-set triumph also completed the season sweep of the Mavericks (14-9, 8-5 Sun Belt) for the second straight year.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The two teams traded set victories through the decisive frame, both sides using a kills surplus each time to their advantage.
 
The Ragin’ Cajuns would not be denied a hard-earned win on the weekend trip through Texas, even after falling behind when the Mavericks used a four-point run to erase a 14-11 deficit in the fifth stanza.
 
A kill from Dree’Ana Abram allowed Louisiana to fight off set point and draw even at 15-all. Nia Antoine scored a kill for the lead, then the final outcome was secured when she combined with Tia Smith for a block which ended the contest.
 
LEADING THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
Abram turned in her season-high of 16 kills and posted a team-high six blocks. Hanna Rovira tallied her Sun Belt-play season-best of 15 kills and added 12 digs to her stat line for her fifth double-double of the season.
 
Hali Wisnoskie was the third Ragin’ Cajun with double-digit kills, scoring 13 kills.
 
Louisiana out-dug UTA 89-83 as five individuals scooped double digits led by 24 digs from libero Sydney Davis.
 
Setters Milayne Danna (25 assists, 15 digs) and Avery Breaux (22 assists, 12 digs) each recorded a double-double.  
 
UP NEXT
Louisiana faces in-state Sun Belt Conference foe ULM in a home-and-home weekend beginning on Friday, Nov. 2 in a 6:30 p.m. match at Earl K. Long Gym. The two teams then head to Monroe to wrap up the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 4 in a 2 p.m. contest at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
 
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