Volleyball: Ragin’™ Cajuns Extend Season-Opening Win Streak With a Sweep

Hali Wisnoskie grabs hold of rally era record for career kills in win over South Alabama

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South Alabama

9/12/2020 | 12 p.m.

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LAFAYETTE – During opening weekend the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball proved it can pack a punch on offense. As week two of the season began on Friday, the squad showed it can be a resilient bunch.
 
Louisiana posted a straight sets sweep (25-17, 25-20, 25-22) of fellow Sun Belt member South Alabama in a non-conference match at Earl K. Long Gym, capped off by impressive come-from-behind triumphs in the final two sets.
 
The Ragin’ Cajuns (3-0) led from the start to the finish in the opening set, sparked by two quick kills from Hali Wisnoskie in the early stages which allowed her to become the program’s rally scoring era record holder for career kills.
 
Louisiana’s first test came in the second set after a five-point spurt pulled the Jaguars (0-1) ahead 14-10. A Wisnoskie kill and Kara Barnes ace pulled the Ragin’ Cajuns back in striking distance at 15-13, then after a Tia Jade Smith kill trimmed the deficit to 17-16 it was Wisnoskie who served up five consecutive points to reclaim the lead for good.
 
The third set rally was even more remarkable. South Alabama scored the first six points of the frame and was still ahead comfortably later on at 13-6. The steady climb back for the Ragin’ Cajuns was completed with an 11-4 run which forged a 17-all tie.
 
The rally was officially completed when Kelsey Bennett landed a kill for a 20-19 advantage. A service error kept hope alive for the Jaguars at 21-20, however back-to-back kills from Taylor Gates and Barnes, respectively, gave Louisiana added breathing room.
 
LEADING THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
Wisnoskie matched her season-high of 18 kills, reaching the total on 36 swings and a .444 hitting percentage. She has hit double figures in kills all three matches this season, and 14 consecutive dating back to last Oct. 18.
 
Barnes scored eight kills off 13 swings and finished with a .538 hitting percentage. For the third time in as many matches she hit above .450.
 
Bennett and Hannah Ramirez were tied for team-high honors with 11 digs. Wisnoskie chipped in eight digs, just missing out on a second consecutive double-double.
 
Barnes contributed five blocks in helping Louisiana out-block the visitors 9.5-3.0. Avery Breaux and Wisnoskie both had a hand in three blocks.
 
Breaux netted 30-plus assists once again, finishing with a match-high 34 assists. Her seven digs were the third-highest figure rounded up by a Ragin’ Cajun.
 
UP NEXT
Louisiana and South Alabama wrap up the two-match series on Saturday. First serve from Earl K. Long Gym is set for 12 p.m.
 
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