HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The William Carey volleyball team fell to Loyola University New Orleans in Southern States Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon, dropping a 3-0 decision to the Wolfpack.
The Lady Crusaders battled throughout the opening set but could not overcome an early deficit. Loyola used a 10-4 run midway through the frame to build a 21-13 advantage before securing a 25-19 set victory.
William Carey responded with a strong start in the second set, scoring the first three points before Loyola answered with four consecutive points. The Lady Crusaders regained momentum with a four-point run of their own, and the teams remained locked in a back-and-forth battle for much of the set.
With the score tied late, Loyola pulled ahead with a 5-0 run to take a 20-15 lead. Carey refused to go away, trimming the deficit to 23-22 and again to 24-23, but a Wolfpack kill ended the rally and gave Loyola a 25-23 win for a 2-0 match lead.
In the third set, Carey grabbed another early advantage before Loyola surged ahead 11-8. The Wolfpack gradually extended their lead to 20-12, but the Lady Crusaders mounted one final comeback attempt, cutting the margin to 21-18. Loyola answered with four straight points to close out the set and complete the sweep.
William Carey returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 22, when they travel to Graceville, Fla., for a non-conference matchup against Baptist University of Florida. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m.
