SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball put together an outstanding team performance in a three-set sweep over visiting Lone Star Conference rival Abilene Christian on Friday night at the McDermott Center.  The Cardinals won 25-20, 25-18, 25-9. (box score)

“We have a really young team this year and I think this was great for our confidence,” said UIW head coach Jennifer Montoya.  “I think it is something we will benefit from in the long run.” 

The Cardinals (6-8, 3-3) scored the first five points of the match and appeared like they might run away from the Wildcats (4-10, 1-5) early, but ACU fought back and even took a lead in the first set.  The set was tied at 20-20 when the Cards made a final push scoring five straight points on three kills and two service aces.

In the second set, it was the Wildcats who jumped out to an early 7-3 lead.  A 12-3 run by the Cardinals quickly followed thanks to excellent serving by Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian Prep) and Sarah Cardenas (San Antonio/O'Connor HS).  Once UIW took the lead they never gave it back.

“We have been working on being able to play our game consistently,” said Montoya.  “We can either shoot ourselves in the foot or we can get the job done like tonight.”

The third and final set was never close as the Cardinals scored 14 of the first 15 points.  They led 24-4 before the Wildcats made a late push to make the score more respectable.

The Cardinals finished with 37 kills, 63 digs, 6.0 blocks and a .160 attack.  Beth Soukup (Helotes/O'Connor HS) led the team with nine kills and posted a .269 attack.  Stephanie Bonura (Houston/Lutheran North HS) was nearly automatic on the attack with eight kills and a .636 attack to go along with three blocks.  Cardenas led the team with 14 assists while Kelci Lind (Lindale/Lindale HS) led the team with 18 digs.  Lydia Werchan (Spring Branch/Smithson Valley HS) added 15 digs and seven assists.

“We had a lot of people pick it up,” said the coach.   “Beth Soukup, Tina Chavis and Stephanie Bonura stepped it up and had great matches for us.”

The Wildcats had 25 kills, 57 digs, 6.0 blocks and a .000 attack.  Kalynne Allen led the attack with seven kills and a .312 attack percentage.  Sarah Siemens dished out a game high 19 assists while Jennie Loerch and Sara Oxford each had 13 digs.

The Cardinals are back in action on Tuesday at Texas A&M-Kingsville for a 7 p.m. start
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