University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Meets Southern in Midweek Tilt
9/12/2011 10:36:00 PM | Volleyball
First serve is set for 7 p.m., at Earl K. Long Gym for a match that marks Southern's first visit since 1996.
Live video and live stats along with post-match coverage will be available on RaginCajuns.com.
Louisiana has strung together an impressive streak at Earl K. Long Gym, having taken 13 of the last 15 matches at the facility, including the last five straight. UL swept play at the 2011 'Bon Temps' Invitational two weeks ago prior to defeating Lamar in four sets last Tuesday.
"We are looking to continue our success on our home court," head coach Heather Mazeitis said in a Monday media luncheon. "After a tough weekend that saw some of our players go down with injury at the CenturyLink Premier in San Marcos, Texas, it is nice to get back and play on our home floor."
Although the team was unable to record a win at the San Marcos tournament, the injuries provided an excellent opportunity for the freshmen Kaylee Nemeth and Caitlin Auxilien to shine in significant playing time.
In her first career start, Nemeth tallied seven kills on 15 attempts from the outsider hitter position on Saturday against Houston Baptist.
In her first start at libero Auxilien tallied 16 digs in the tournament finale vs. Northwestern State.
"We saw some good things from our team last weekend," Mazeitis said. "However, we have to improve our serving percentage."
Lesley Mirarchi led the Cajuns in kills for the second straight weekend, posting 30 kills during the CenturyLink Premier. Mirarchi is averaging a team-high 2.42 kills per set. Tonice White continues to lead the team in hitting percentage, turning in a .291 clip through the first three weekends.
Southern enters Tuesday's match, searching for their first win of the season after a 0-8 start. Despite the Jaguar's record, Mazeitis is not taking the squad lightly.
"They are very athletic and can make plays," Mazeitis remarked. "If we do not take them seriously, we will not win."
The Jags are led by Ja'Quincia Williams. Williams boosts a team-high 60 kills and a solid .328 hitting percentage.
UL and Southern met last season in Baton Rouge with the Cajuns coming away with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-20).
Following Tuesday's match, the Ragin' Cajuns travel to Arlington, Texas, to participate in their final tournament before Sun Belt Conference play. Louisiana is set to face UT Arlington, Prairie View A&M and Texas Tech in the UT Arlington Hilton Invitational.
-- Ragin' Cajuns --
