The first day of the Midwestern State Hampton Inn Invitational didn't contain too many highlights for Incarnate Word as the Cardinals dropped back-to-back matches.

TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL 3, INCARNATE WORD 0

25-21, 25-19, 25-17

The Cardinals started their afternoon with former Heartland Conference rival, Texas A&M International University.  After three long sets, the Dustdevils beat the Cardinals for the first time since 2006.

Senior setter, Sarah Nordman, led the team with an impressive 18 assists and junior defensive specialist, Lydia Werchan, led the team with 12 digs.  In total, UIW only walked away with 36 kills over the entire match. 

The Dustdevil's junior outside hitter, Andrea Marshall, led her team in kills with a total of 12 and sophomore defensive specialist, Desiree Ortiz, and junior outside hitter, Andrea Marshall, both had 15 digs.

WASHBURN 3, INCARNATE WORD 0

(27-25, 25-13, 23-25, 25-11)

After a rough start to the tournament, the Cardinals were ready to win against fifth ranked Washburn. After a close first set, the Cardinals dropped set two but prevailed in set three. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to lead the Cardinals to victory but it was certainly a step in the right direction.

Senior setter, Sarah Nordman, put on another impressive performance with 20 assists; 16 more assists than the next closest Cardinal.  Junior outside hitter, Lydia Werchan, also brought the heat with an outstanding 23 kills.  Nonetheless, the Cardinals fight wasn't enough to fend off the Lady Blues who improved their record to 10-0 after today's two matches.

Abby Whitman, sophomore setter, shined with 35 assists and 19 digs.  Not too far behind her was senior Breanna Lewis with 20 kills.  The Lady Blues ended the match with a total of 58 kills compared to the Cardinals' 34.

The losses today dropped the Cardinals to 0-2 in the very young season.

UIW will take on Truman State tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. followed by Nova Southeastern at 3:00 p.m.