Volleyball: Tulane falls to No. 24 Wichita State in three

NEW ORLEANS – Tulane volleyball could not shock #24 Wichita State, Friday night at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse, falling short in its upset bid, 3-0 (23-25, 16-25, 16-25). The Green Wave fall to 12-6 overall, 1-4 The American.

The Green Wave struck early and often in the first set, opening a seven point lead, but could not finish the job, losing 25-23. Tulane dictated the play early in the set against the nationally-ranked Shockers, rallying behind freshman middle hitter Markenzie Benoit six kills (attack percentage of .857) to build a 17-10 lead. Wichita State stormed back, however, pulling off an 8-0 run, to regain the lead before winning the set.

Wichita State took the second set, 25-16, as Tulane could not slow its offensive attack. The Shockers posted a team attack percentage of .520, while holding Tulane to a percentage of .156 in the first set. Senior setter Justine Bowers recorded 10 assists.

Tulane dropped the third set, 25-16, to seal its defeat against Wichita State. Benoit finished with eight kills (.333 attack percentage), freshman right side hitter Kristen Thompson recorded a team-high 10 kills and while Bowers totaled a season-high 31 assists. Freshman libero Mia Primavera made her collegiate debut in the match.

Up Next
Tulane’s Sunday match against Memphis was canceled because of impending weather related to Tropical Storm Nate. Its rescheduling is to be determined. The Green Wave travel to East Carolina and Cincinnati next weekend for their second conference road trip of the season. Tulane plays ECU, 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 13, before making its way to Cincinnati for a 1 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15 showdown.

Season ticket packages for the 2017 season are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE(9283), logging onto TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.

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