Box Score HAMMOND, LOUISIANA – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team was looking for their fifth straight road victory on Saturday, but they were thwarted by Southland Conference rival Southeastern Louisiana.  The Lions (9-16, 3-10) rallied for a 23-25, 26-24, 13-25, 25-18, 15-13 victory at the University Center.

The Cardinals (10-10, 5-6) had their chances to get the win.  In the second set, they held set point leading 24-23.  The Lions tied up the set on a kill by Parrie Hartley and then two UIW attack errors gave the set to the home team.

The Cardinals completed dominated the third set posting a .485 attack percentage.  Freshman Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) pounded out eight kills in just 11 chances to lead the way while the Lions were limited to a .108 attack.

In the fourth set, the Lions used a 7-0 run to take a 15-14 lead and extend it to 22-14.  From there they were able to finish out the set to even the match.

The Lions used the momentum from the fourth set to jump out to a 6-0 lead.  The Cardinals responded by scoring six of the next nine points and they tied the score at 11-11 after an SLU attack error.  UIW would take a 13-12 lead after another SLU attack error, but it was the last point the team would score.  After tying it at 13-13, the Lions got a kill from Tiffany Thomas and then a block from Veronica Turk and Thomas to close out the match.

The Cardinals finished the match with 58 kills, 81 digs, 11.0 blocks and a .168 attack percentage.  Garza led the team with 24 kills, 14 digs, three blocks while posting a .400 attack.  Brittani Dear (La Vernia/La Vernia HS) added 12 kills, 24 digs and four blocks.  Meaghan Patterson (Helotes/O'Connor HS) led the team with six blocks while Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) dished out a team high 24 assists.

The Lions pounded out 62 kills and had 83 digs and 11.0 blocks while posting a .151 attack.  Hartley led the team with 18 kills while Thomas added 14 kills.  Morgan Todd had 24 digs and Megan McMillin added 23 digs while Rachel Bunn had seven blocks to lead the defense.  Mikayla Shippy led all players with 55 assists and added 12 digs.

The Cardinals are back in action on Thursday at home against Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m.
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