RUSTON, Louisiana. – The volleyball team travels to Ruston this weekend for the Louisiana Tech Tournament, joining a competitive field that features ULM, Jackson State, and the host Lady Techsters. The Huskies, fresh off a straight-set win over Texas Southern on Tuesday, will play three matches in two days beginning Friday at noon against ULM, followed by a 4 p.m. contest against Jackson State. HCU will close out the tournament on Saturday at noon against Louisiana Tech.
HCU (2-5) enter play averaging 11.4 kills per set while hitting .163 as a team.
Allana Archie has been a consistent force on the front line, leading HCU with 59 kills and 11 blocks, while
Katy Barger has added 45 kills. Supporting the attack are
Cassidy Drapela,
Sa'Myah Medford, and
Hannah Redrow, each with 26 kills. Setter
Peyton Fadal has directed the offense with 112 assists, while
Madison Hess adds 69. In the back row,
Bianca Byerly has been a defensive anchor with 66 digs, while also leading the Huskies from the service line with nine aces.
ULM (5-2) comes into the tournament after sweeping Northwestern State on Tuesday night in Natchitoches. The Warhawks' attack is fueled by Aniya Hall, who has recorded 93 kills this season, along with Kennedy Plummer and Madison Derden, who have combined for over 100. Setter Morgan Howard has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense with 140 assists and a team-high 21 aces. Defensively, ULM relies on Camryn Kimes with 60 digs, while middle blockers Kenzie Behl and Molly Muller have combined for 33 blocks at the net.
Jackson State (0–5) began its season with back-to-back losses against Auburn and Troy on the road but returns a seasoned lineup. The Tigers' offense is paced by Jayden James, who posted 415 kills last season, and Alexis Williams, who added 318 kills while contributing 302 digs and 40 service aces. Setter Karys Dove has been steady with 705 career assists and brings serving pressure with 38 aces. On defense, Trinity Bryant leads the Tigers with 394 digs from last season, while Jordan Jones has been a force at the net with 124 blocks. Despite a challenging start, JSU enters the weekend with proven weapons in both the front row and the back row.
Louisiana Tech (3-4) last competed at the Green Wave Invitational, sweeping Southern before dropping matches to Tulane and Lamar. The Lady Techsters are led by Jailen Hurley, who has registered 58 kills, and Giulia Bonifacio, who has added 38. Setter Sydnee Carter has 110 assists to go along with 10 aces, while libero Riley Steubing leads the defense with 105 digs across three matches. At the net, Tech has benefited from the presence of Charlize Williams, who leads the blocking effort with 19 total, supported by Gabrielle Hairston and Zari Gillispie with 17 each.
Following the Louisiana Tech Tournament, the Huskies will continue non-conference action at the Sam Houston Tournament in Huntsville, opening Thursday, Sept. 18, against the Bearkats before facing ULM for a second time and closing Saturday against Georgia State.
