PORTALES, NEW MEXICO – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team were dealt a five-set loss on Tuesday to Texas A&M-Kingsville, but bounced back with a five-set win over Lone Star Conference rival Eastern New Mexico on Friday night on the road.  (Box Score)

The Cardinals (10-19, 7-12), playing without all-star libero Lydia Werchan (Spring Branch/Smithson Valley HS), pulled out a 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-18, 16-14 win.  The two teams traded out the first four sets and the match came down to the final fifth set.

The Zias (6-23, 1-18) controlled the fifth set in the early goal.  They took an 11-6 lead after a kill by Lindsey Barron.  However, the Cardinals responded by scoring seven of the next eight points.  Chetina Chavis (Houston/Bush HS) pounded out three kills and had a solo block in the run.  The Zias went back ahead 14-13 before UIW scored the final three points of the match.  Beth Soukup (Helotes/O'Connor HS) recorded the kill to tie the match at 14-14 and the match-winning kill.

The Cardinals finished the match with 66 kills, 90 digs and 11.0 blocks while posting a .195 attack percentage.  Kelci Lind (Lindale/Lindale HS) led the team with 16 kills, 16 digs and a .260 attack.  Soukup added a double-double with 13 kills and a team high 19 digs.  Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian Prep) dished out 35 assists and contributed 17 digs.  Chavis had 11 kills, seven digs and five blocks to go with a .409 attack.

The Zias had 69 kills, 89 digs, 7.0 blocks and a .216 attack.  Barron led all players with 29 kills as well as four blocks and a .286 attack.  Kaitlyn Maddams added 25 kills and a .279 attack.  Setter Kennedi Catano finished with 64 assists and 18 digs while Hayley couch led all players with 22 digs.

The Cardinals close out the regular season on Saturday at 2 p.m. at West Texas A&M.
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