ANGELO STATE 3, INCARNATE WORD 2

(25-10, 25-14, 22-25, 23-25, 15-8)

When Angelo State only allowed the Cardinals 24 points over the first two sets of what evolved into a five game match, things weren't looking too bright for UIW's first conference game at the McDermott Center.

The undefeated Belles (5-0) were living up to their name until UIW  (1-4) fought back in set three and four.  Fueled by the fans and some great plays by junior setter Sarah Nordman and junior setter Mary Beth Huber, the Cardinals turned things around.  Unfortunately, the ladies couldn't hold on in set five when the Belles brought the heat all over again winning 15-8.

Angelo State racked up 64 total kills.  19 and 15 of those belonged to sophomore outside hitter Kaelen Valdez and junior middle blocker Chelsea Gibson, respectively.  Junior setter Alex Woolsey had 46 assists.

UIW had its fair share of kills as well with 54.  Stephanie Bonura, junior outside hitter, had 13 kills and Nordman, although she didn't start the match, ended the five games with a whooping 36 assists.  Elizabeth Soukup, sophomore outside hitter, also had a noteable performance with 12 kills.

The Cardinals' defense contributed considerably to their back to back set wins and leading the team with 32 digs was Lydia Werchan, junior defensive specialist.  As a team, UIW had 101 digs.

The Cardinals will play in the Lady Buff Invitational Tournament on Sept. 9-10 in Canyon, TX. Their games on Sept. 9 will be at 9:30 a.m. against New Mexico Highlands and at 7 p.m. against West Texas A&M.  Those games will be followed by games at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 10 against Oklahoma Panhandle and Eastern New Mexico, correspondingly.

UIW's next conference game is Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. against Midwestern State at the McDermott Center.