HOUSTON – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Volleyball team carried the momentum from forcing a fifth set over into the final frame and went on to claim a 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-6) win over Houston on Thursday, September 5 in the opening match of the Flo Hyman Classic at the Feritta Center.

Down a set and trailing 19-16 in the fourth set, the Ragin’ Cajuns (2-2) used a kill from Jazmine Gaston to side out and then rode the serve of Megan Hawkins to climb out of the deficit – subsequently never looking back.

Hawkins served up an ace for a 20-19 advantage and Louisiana wouldn’t face a deficit the rest of the contest. The result was a monumental win in Houston for the second straight season, adding to last season’s sweep over Rice.

The Ragin’ Cajuns never let go the momentum change, despite Houston (2-1) forging a pair of ties while the fourth set drew to a close. After the last tie at 21-all, UL capitalized on a UH service error by getting a kill from Cailin Demps that created a critical two-point edge.

Louisiana kept the pressure on as the winner-take-all frame began, scoring the first three points. The advantage was preserved when Gaston placed a shot into the back corner to land a kill and a 7-5 advantage.

A block and kill from Cami Hicks on the next two rallies kept the Cougars on their heels. Then following a UH side out it was Gaston scoring a kill to ignite a set-ending 6-0 run that led to match point for Louisiana.

The Ragin’ Cajuns relentless defensive effort paid dividends, an 86-81 edge in digs and 8.0-6.0 advantage in blocks offsetting the Cougars’ offensive efforts.

LEADING THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS

Lauryn Hill led the way with 12 kills, landing three winners in the winner-take-all frame. Gaston, who started the night off with five kills, finished tied with Demps at 11 kills.

Hicks (7 kills, 5 blocks) and Chelsea Gilmore (9 kills, 3 blocks) provided an impact from the middle blockers slot, combining for 16 kills and eight blocks.

Hawkins shone again at the service line as she landed three aces and added 15 digs to her team-leading 24 assists for her first collegiate double-double.

Libero Mio Yamamoto was the game-changer on defense in the rally as she scooped 10 of her match-high tying 26 digs over the final two sets.

UP NEXT FOR LOUISIANA

Louisiana wraps up its participation in the Flo Hyman Classic in Houston on Friday, September 6 facing in-state foe Northwestern State in a 4:00 p.m. match at the Fertitta Center.

The NSU contest closes out the quick two-match trip to Houston with Louisiana set to return to E.K. Long Gym on Tuesday, September 10 to face McNeese.