NEW ORLEANS — Courtney Carter led Alcorn with 13 kills Friday night, but the Braves fell 3-0 to LSU New Orleans in the opening match of the LSU New Orleans/Nicholls Challenge at the Human Performance Center.
The Braves dropped the sets 25-21, 25-16, and 25-23. Despite the loss, Alcorn fought hard in every set, pulling within one point twice in the third before LSU New Orleans secured the win. The Privateers hit .288 as a team, with outside hitter Armie Hall contributing 20 kills and three blocks. Laura Piva added 13 kills for LSU New Orleans.
Carter, a senior from Tomball, Texas, also had two block assists and seven digs. Junior outside hitter Jaylynn McNeill was efficient, tallying eight kills on 13 swings for a .538 hitting percentage. Sophomore middle blocker Rylan Jones chipped in nine kills and two digs. Setter Daylin Saiki recorded 22 assists, while libero Tomoni Giddings led the Braves with 14 digs.
The third set was the closest, with Alcorn erasing a five-point deficit and tying the score at 22-22 and 23-23 before LSU New Orleans edged out the set 25-23 on a block error and a kill from Laura Piva. The Privateers’ consistent attack and 48 assists from primary setter Defne Eciroglu helped them control the match.
Alcorn managed to stay competitive early, even rallying from an 0-4 start in the first set before falling 25-21. The Privateers then dominated the second set 25-16. The Braves will look to bounce back Saturday with matches against Nicholls at 2 p.m. and Stonehill at 7 p.m. back at the Human Performance Center.
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