By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Two down, another very important volleyball match against Louisiana to go.
Appalachian State completed a weekend sweep of the Ragin’ Cajuns at the Holmes Convocation Center on Nov. 12, 3-1 (24-26, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20), but must now face Louisiana for a third consecutive time on Nov. 17, in the Sun Belt Conference tournament in Foley, Ala.
Just like the Nov. 11 contest the night before, every set between the Mountaineers and Ragin’ Cajuns on Saturday was a hotly contested thriller, exchanging leads or tying. Through the four sets on Saturday, the two sides amassed 34 ties and 16 lead changes.
It was a fitting end to the regular season for the Mountaineers, who have now won 11 of their last 12 matches. That is the best stretch for App State since a program record-tying 16 straight wins during the 2015 seasons. The Louisiana sweep also added to the special, Senior Day ceremonies at the end of Saturday’s match, celebrating the volleyball life and times at App State of seniors Sam Bickley, Sarah Missroon, and Morgan Flores.
Noteworthy:
- McCall Denny posted her 11th double-double of the season, with 15 kills and 12 digs.
- Sam Bickley led the team in assists with 23, but also had the second-most digs, 8.
- Freshman Maya Winterhoff was credited with a team-high 6 blocks.
- Sarah Missroon recorded 3 blocks to go along with 8 kills.
- App State led Louisiana in points (65-60), kills (48-47), service aces (8-5), and blocked shots (9-8).
Next action for the Mountaineers will be in Foley, Ala., 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, against Louisiana in the opening rounds of Sun Belt Conference play on Thursday, Nov. 17. App State is the No. 4 seed in the East Division, while Louisiana is the No. 5 seed in the West Division.
Earlier matches on Wednesday, Nov. 16 will see Arkansas State (No. 6 in the West) pitted against Georgia State (No. 7 East), and Marshall (No. 6 East) against Louisiana-Monroe (No. 7 West).
Other matches on Nov. 17 include Old Dominion (No. 3 East) vs. the winner of Arkansas State and Georgia State; Southern Miss (No. 4 West) vs. Georgia Southern (No. 5 East); and South Alabama (No. 3 West) vs. the winner of Marshall and ULM.
The tournament championship match is slated for Sunday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m. Eastern Time. All tournament matches are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+. The full Sun Belt Conference championship tournament schedule can be found by clicking HERE.
