LAFAYETTE, La. – HBU got off to a slow start and was unable to find an offensive rhythm as Louisiana claimed the season opener, 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-19), Friday night at Earl K. Long Gym.
 
Senior outside hitter Mikayla Vivens and junior middle blocker Ebonie Ballesteros each had six kills for the Huskies (0-1), while junior outside hitter Kelly Colwell had five kills and a team-high 17 digs. Sophomore setter Ellie Wipf dished out 19 assists and sophomore libero Marisabel Torres-Rivera had 14 digs.
 
Hali Wisnoskie recorded 18 kills and nine digs, while Kara Barnes had 10 kills for the Ragin' Cajuns (1-0). Kelsey Bennett added eight kills and 11 digs. Avery Breaux dished out 37 assists and Hannah Ramirez came up with 21 digs. Tia Jade Smith chipped in with five kills and five blocks.
 
Louisiana hit .279 for the match, while holding HBU to .045. The Ragin' Cajuns outdug the Huskies, 60-44, outblocked them, 14-10, and outaced them, 5-0.
 
The two teams will rematch on Saturday, when they will be the only NCAA Division I volleyball match on the schedule.