STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Louisiana Tech snapped a three-match skid in convincing fashion Saturday, rolling past Arkansas–Pine Bluff in straight sets (25-19, 25-7, 25-18) to wrap up play at the Texan Classic at Wisdom Gym.
 
LA Tech (6-7) used a balanced attack and spread-out playing time to overpower UAPB (0-12).
 
In the opening frame, The Bulldogs used a steady 6-1 push midway through the set to grab control.  Grace Luevanos, Anaya Hairston, and Megan Cooley sparked the offense with timely kills, while the Bulldog block forced UAPB into a string of miscues.  The Golden Lions cut the deficit to 15-14 with a 5-0 run, but LA Tech answered with another surge, scoring 10 of the final 15 points for a 25-19 win.
 
The second set was all Bulldogs from the first serve. LA Tech jumped out to a 7-1 lead behind kills from Carla Esquer and Zari Gillispie, forcing an early UAPB timeout.  The momentum didn't slow – Ryan Rusher and Charlize Williams took over at the net, combining for six kills and three blocks during a 12-2 stretch that made it 19-5.  LA Tech closed the set with multiple kills by Esquer and a service ace by Sydnee Carter, cruising 25-7.
 
UAPB hung around early in the third, trailing just 11-10, before LA Tech delivered the knockout punch.  Rusher and Esquer again provided the spark, leading an 8-3 run that gave the Bulldogs breathing room.  Rusher added back-to-back kills, capping a 5-2 run to secure the 25-18 win and complete the sweep.
 
Overall, the Bulldogs hit .255 as a team with Rusher paving the way with eight kills, followed by Esquer with seven.  Emerson Traylor saw extended playing time at setter, posting 14 assists, while fellow freshman Zari Gillispie tacked on six blocks defensively.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Scott Mattera
 
"Today was exactly what we were looking for and exactly what we needed.  Played clean, reorganized well, got everyone significant playing time, and a pretty smooth win."
 
NOTABLES

• With the win, LA Tech now leads the all-time series versus UAPB, 11-0.  The Bulldogs have never dropped a set to the Golden Eagles, winning all 11 via shutout.
• The 25-7 win in the second set tied for the second-largest margin in program history.  It was the largest set win since Sept. 5, 2012, when LA Tech won a set 25-6 against Grambling State.
• Ryan Rusher registered season highs in kills (eight) and digs (seven) while hitting .667.
• Emerson Traylor tied her season high with 14 assists while playing in two sets.
• Zari Gillispie tied her season high with six blocks.

UP NEXT
LA Tech will play its final non-conference match of the season when the Bulldogs make the short road trip Tuesday to take on Grambling.  First serve is set for 6 p.m. CT.
 
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