HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana extended its winning streak to six consecutive matches Thursday, defeating Houston Baptist, 16-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-16, at the University Center to move into sole possession of second place in the Southland Conference.
 
The Lady Lions (9-3, 7-2 Southland), who entered the match tied for second place in the conference standings with HBU (7-8, 6-3 Southland), now sit one game behind first-place Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin. The win also guarantees Southeastern its first winning season since posting an 18-14 record in 2002.
 
The reigning conference defensive player of the week, Ansley Tullis picked up a career-high 31 digs as defense contributed heavily to the comeback win. A freshman from Slidell, Louisiana, Tullis also served up three aces as the Lady Lions combined for nine in the match.
 
Outside hitter Kailin Newsome, a three-time Southland offensive player of the week, turned in her seventh consecutive double-double and eighth total this season. The freshman from Houston, Texas contributed 15 kills, 11 digs, one ace and one assist to the winning effort.
 
Karlee Wilkerson, a sophomore from nearby Springfield, Louisiana, enjoyed the best night of Southeastern's attackers, recording 15 kills and a season-best .429 attack percentage to help pace the Lady Lion offense.
 
Southeastern also got solid all-around performances from senior outside hitter Ryan Maddera (7 kills, 5 blocks, 6 digs) and sophomore middle blocker Crispin Adams (6 kills, 5 blocks, 5 digs). Ariana Hebert handed out a team-leading 22 assists and Calli Collins dished out an additional 21 for the Lady Lions.
 
UP NEXT
Southeastern wraps up its home schedule Saturday, hosting Incarnate Word (4-7, 4-5 Southland) at 11 a.m. in the University Center. A Lady Lion win would clinch a Southland Conference Tournament bid for the second time in as many seasons.
 
Live stats are available in addition to a streaming broadcast on ESPN+. Media links can be found on the volleyball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.
 
LIONS GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE APP
The Lions Gameday Experience app puts audio, stats, video, social media and more in the hands of fans. Those in attendance can also check in to earn reward points redeemable for Southeastern-related prizes. Available for both Android and iOS devices, it can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play or by following the link www.LionSports.net/App.
 
SOCIAL DISTANCING ON GAMEDAYS
Proper social distancing techniques are required at all athletic events. Fans are asked to maintain a minimum distance of six feet from others, wear a face covering over both their nose and mouth, and wash their hands frequently. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout Southeastern's athletic facilities.
 
While tailgating is currently prohibited, current health and safety guidelines set forth by state and local officials due to the COVID-19 pandemic allow for 25 percent capacity at athletic events. Capacity will be adjusted as state guidelines allow.
 
DIGGIN' IT CLUB / S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the Southeastern volleyball program are encouraged to join the Diggin' It Club. Lion volleyball alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Diggin' It Club and S Club (volleyball) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern volleyball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics enforces a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. The policy mirrors safety precautions required for entrance to professional and collegiate sporting venues throughout the country. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/Clear.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Lady Lions Volleyball, follow @LionUpVB or @JWhiteSLU on Twitter, @LionUpVB on Instagram, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.