Redshirt sophomore Elyssa Purcell recorded nine service aces in the game against the University of New Orleans. She also had 10 kills and three assists in the game. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion's Roar
The volleyball team dropped a two-set lead to lose 3-2 against the University of New Orleans Privateers on Saturday, Oct. 14.
On the occasion of National Dessert Day, the Privateers’ 21-25, 19-25, 29-27, 25-19, 15-12 comeback restricted the Lady Lions from getting their first conference win. Head Coach Jim Smoot was dejected by the inconsistent performance.
“Inconsistency is what we’re consistent at,” said Smoot. “They just need to grasp. They just don’t change things when they’re supposed to, or they ease up. They think you got it won.”
Smoot was upset when the team was unable to carry on the momentum they had in the beginning sets to finish the game strong.
“We build on it for one or two games, and then we just let it go,” said Smoot. “Right back to what I was just talking about. Lack of consistency is killing us. We had match point with two swings remaining. We didn’t put the ball away. That’s up to the players. They’re the ones who got to get it done.”
During halftime, former Lady Lions assembled on the court to show their support for the program. Brook Balser, Anne Bauer Peytavin, Robhie Duarte Snellgrove, Paula Boudreaux, Laine Gomes Cornish, Keri Hamblin Wilkins, Parrie Hartley, Olita Malveaux Alexander, Loni Mouton Morgan, Kristin Oberschmidt Sullivan and Danielle Rudesill were present at the event.
Bauer Peytavin, who is a Southeastern Athletics Hall of Famer, described her feeling on returning to the university.
“I always love coming back,” said Bauer Peytavin. “I look back at my time at Southeastern as one of the best times of my life. So, when I come back to campus, it brings all of those wonderful memories back, and I always wanna support the volleyball team.”
Bauer Peytavin also paid tribute to Athletic Alumni Coordinator Larry Hymel for bringing the former players together.
“Larry Hymel is the reason that we all come back every year,” said Bauer Peytavin. “He hounds us to death if we have some kind of a conflict because it’s that important to him that we’re here and we came here. We’re so appreciative because it’s just always a wonderful reunion. We’re so greatful to Larry, and we’re so sad that it’s the last year we’re gonna see him.”
The team will now travel to Nacogdoches, TX on Oct. 17 to search for their first victory in nine games as they take on Stephen F. Austin State University.
Former volleyball players came together to support the Lady Lions in the game against the University of New Orleans. Unfortunately, the team could not finish the game in the third set resulting in a 3-2 loss. Nikisun Shrestha/The Lion's Roar
