SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team dropped their first home match of the year to Lone Star Conference rival Texas A&M Commerce in three sets 25-22, 25-20, 25-21 at the McDermott Center. (Box Score)

While the Cardinals (3-6, 0-1) battled closely with the Lions (8-1, 1-0) each set, they were not able to grab a win. The Cardinals trailed the first two sets for nearly the entire length of the set.  With a 3-0 lead at the beginning of the third set, it looked like the Cardinals were going to turn it around, but the Lions would go on a 5-0 run to reclaim the lead.  In the first and third sets the Cardinals trailed by just a point with the score in the 20s, but could not get past the tough visitors.

Texas A&M-Commerce posted a .202 attack percentage while UIW was limited to a .111 attack.  Freshman Angelique Vidaurri (San Antonio/Southwest HS) led the team's Cards attack with 13 kills and continued to be a strong presence on the court. Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian Prep) led the team with16 assists and added five digs. The Cardinals struggled behind the serving line with six service errors and just one service ace.

Defensively, the Cardinals recorded 49 digs and 7.0 blocks.  Lydia Werchan (Spring Branch/Smithson Valley) led the team in digs with 12.  Baleigh Schaetter (Fredericksburg/Fredericksburg HS) led the team in blocks again with two solo blocks and two block assists.

Commerce ended the match with 38 kills, 54 digs and 4.0 blocks. Leading the Lions attack was Ezon Onditi with 10 kills and a .500 attack.  Jordan Neal dished out 29 assists, had 12 digs and served up five aces.  Michaela Spicer contributed 16 digs and five assists.

The Cardinals take on Texas Woman's University at home tomorrow in another conference match up. Game time is 2 p.m.
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