NEW ORLEANS, La. – The William Carey Volleyball Team held off a surging Loyola University to defeat the Wolfpack 3-2 Tuesday night at the University Sports Complex.

Both teams battled from the start but with the scored tied at six, the Lady Crusaders made their move, using a 13-3 run to take control and win the set 25-19.  Loyola jumped out to an early 5-2 lead in the second set but WCU answered with three straight points to tie things back up. With Carey holding a 16-15 lead, they once again made their move, closing the set on a 9-5 run to take a 2-0 lead.

The third set was similar to the second only in that it would be the Wolfpack that found the spark.  With the score tied at 17 all, LU closed the set on an 8-5 run to stay alive.  The Lady Crusaders got off to a rocky start in the fourth, quickly finding themselves down and could not recover, as the Wolfpack forced the deciding fifth set.

In the final set, Loyola took early 4-2 lead, but the Lady Crusaders found their stride again, rallying with six straight points and held off the Wolfpack offense for the 15-12 win.

Rachel Hartmann led the way, finishing with 23 kills, 24 assists, and 26 digs.  Reagan Huff added 14 kills with Mia Hague finishing with 14 kills and 18 digs. Kacey Lear came in with 31 digs.

WCU is back in action Friday, September 30, as they travel to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to take on Stillman College in SSAC play.  First serve is scheduled for 6:00 pm.