Box Score Loyola University New Orleans volleyball upset fourth seeded Brenau University in an exhilarating five-set win in the first round of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Championships this afternoon 26-24, 20-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-6.
THU, 11/13/2014
(Montgomery, Ala.) Loyola University New Orleans volleyball upset fourth seeded Brenau University in an exhilarating five-set win in the first round of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) Championships this afternoon 26-24, 20-25, 25-20, 17-25, 15-6.
The Pack took the first game 26-24 with the help of junior Eva Allen's incredible offensive performance, tallying seven kills in the first set. The Wolf Pack kept pace with the Golden Tigers in the second set, but ultimately fell 20-25. Brenau continued this momentum into the beginning of the third set, going ahead 4-1 in the opening moments, but the Pack rallied behind Allen and freshman standout Keyanna Gayden to take the third set 25-20. Loyola gained an early lead in the fourth set, but the Golden Tigers came from behind to defeat the Pack 25-17. With the series tied at two games apiece, both squads were determined to take the final set to win the match. Loyola's persistence prevailed, as they gained a dominating 8-0 lead to begin the fifth set, and the Golden Tigers did not stand a chance against the Pack from there on out. Loyola won the match 3-2, with five members of the Pack recording kills in the fifth and deciding set.
"I am beyond proud of how hard the team played today," said head coach Angela Franke. "They never gave up, they played as a team, and they were determined to play a complete game and come out on top. These girls truly rose to the occasion, and I am in awe of the dedication and desire I witnessed from them today."
Junior Eva Allen headed the Wolf Pack on both sides of the ball with an astonishing 21 kills and 17 digs, only one kill shy of her career-high. Senior Lauren Brand tallied 17 kills, while Gayden and senior Tiffany Walker added eight and seven, respectively. Senior Becca Burnett drove the defensive effort alongside Allen with 20 digs, while sophomore setter Daniela Leal added 18. Leal contributed 48 assists in the win. The Pack combined for 61 kills, 96 digs and six service aces.
Sydney Koon guided the Golden Tigers on both offense and defense, compiling 24 kills and 21 digs on the afternoon. Cayla Graham also added 21 digs, while setter Pamela Konken finished the match with 23 assists.
The Wolf Pack will face the number one seed College of Coastal Georgia tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. before taking on Dalton State College at 3 p.m.
