A victorious start: LSUS Pilots Volleyball Victory In Season Opener [1]
LSUS volleyball did not have to wait long to cement its name in the record books, earning the first victory in program history in its inaugural match at the Stars Invitational.
[2]LSUS swept Wayland Baptist University 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 Friday, August 21st at the Stars Invitational in Oklahoma City, earning the university’s debuting athletic program its first ever victory.
The Pilots entered their first season of volleyball play with expectations already set high for the program, being selected 3rd in the Red River Athletic Conference preseason poll. Those expectations met their first test against Wayland Baptist, as the Pilots controlled the match from the opening serve and never allowed the Pioneers to get comfortable.
LSUS finished the match with a .196 hitting percentage while holding Wayland Baptist to a .027 hitting percentage. The Pilots also finished with a 60-43 advantage in digs and recorded five blocks while holding the Pioneers without a block.
The Pilots offense became more comfortable and efficient as the match progressed. LSUS hit .107 in the first set, improved to .167 in the second and finished the third set at .297.
Tamara Bojanic led the Pilots with 10 kills and 15 digs, recording the first ever LSUS volleyball double-double. Logan Hamilton added 8 kills and a team high 8.5 points, while Zamariya Lyons recorded 7 kills and hit .467 without an attacking error. Hamilton also recorded the first kill in LSUS volleyball history, adding another record to the books. Hanna Pereira contributed 6 kills and helped LSUS at the net with 2 solo blocks. As a team, the Pilots finished with 4 solo blocks and 2 blocking assists. Farah Helmy directed the offense with 32 assists, while Libero Savanna Young anchored the defense with match-high 21 digs.
LSUS would go on to close out the third set 25-18, completing the sweep and officially putting the first win in program history into the record books. This victory also marked the first victory for head coach Callie Houlihan, who is taking charge of the Pilots volleyball team through their inaugural season. For LSUS, the first match delivered exactly what every new program hopes for; a strong beginning, a convincing performance and a place in university’s history.
The LSUS Volleyball program will officially begin Red River Conference play on September 11th, 2026 against Texas College here at home at the Dock at 6:00pm for their first ever home match.