NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team travels to the University of New Orleans for a Southland Conference match on Thursday at 7 p.m. UIW will then travel to Southeastern Louisiana University to take on the Lions at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The Privateers (3-21, 0-11) are currently in last place in the conference.  Senior Marti Richmiller, 2.10 kills per set, and junior Kelsea Hundtoft, 1.62 kills per set, lead the offense while Lauren Levy is the top defender with 3.59 digs per set.

The Lions (7-16, 1-10) have lost their last two matches against Lamar and Sam Houston State and are also struggling in conference play this year.  The Lions have won four games at home but none of them were in conference play.  They have four players averaging at least 2.00 kills per set and Rachael Bunn boasts a .321 attack percentage.  Mikayla Shippy dishes out 9.19 assists per set.

Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) and Angelique Vidaurri (San Antonio/Southwest HS) lead the Cardinals (9-9, 4-5) offensive attack.  Vidaurri pounds out 3.11 kills per set and has a .238 attack while Garza contributes 2.77 kills and 2.55 digs per set.  Freshman Brittani Dear (La Vernia/La Vernia HS) has been a key cog in the rotation with 2.24 kills and 3.40 digs per set.

The Cardinals enter the weekend tied for ninth in the conference, but have a chance to move up with a pair of victories.  They remain the only team in the SLC to defeat Sam Houston State this year.
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