RUSTON, La. – Houston Christian volleyball delivered a strong opening day at the Louisiana Tech Tournament, sweeping ULM 3–0 in the afternoon before earning a 3–1 win over Jackson State later that evening at the Thomas Assembly Center.
The Huskies came out sharp against ULM, jumping to an early lead in the first set. Consistent serving runs and quick kills through the middle allowed HCU to control the pace, finishing with a 25–19 win on a kill from Katy Barger.
Set two turned into the highlight of the match, as both teams traded long rallies and clutch points. ULM held multiple set points late, but the Huskies showed resilience, saving each one before closing the set 31–29 on back-to-back kills from Euhus jewel and Barger.
The Warhawks battled hard in the third, staying within a point until the closing moments. But steady defense in the back row and a final block sealed the 25–23 win and the sweep for HCU.
Allana Archie and Barger paced the Huskies with 10 kills apiece, while Euhus added 9. Peyton Fadal guided the offense with 23 assists, and the defense was anchored by Bianca Byerly and Anna Melgrenwho tallied 11 digs each.
In the evening matchup, HCU carried its momentum into the first set against Jackson State. The Huskies surged ahead early with aggressive swings from Archie and steady passing, closing the frame 25–20.
The Tigers responded in set two, taking advantage of Husky miscues to edge out a 25–23 win and even the match. HCU regrouped in the third, using a balanced attack and strong serving runs to create separation late, finishing 25–21 to regain control.
In the fourth, the Huskies kept the pressure on, capitalizing on early momentum to build a cushion. Archie put down the final kill to secure a 25–19 win and a 3–1 victory.
Archie led the way with 14 kills, with Barger and Euhus joining her in double figures. Fadal and Hannah Redrow combined for over 40 assists, while Byerly and Melgren anchored the backcourt with key digs in tight moments.
With the pair of victories, HCU improved to 4–5 overall heading into Saturday’s finale against host Louisiana Tech at noon.
