SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team has their work cut out for them on Thursday night when they play Southland Conference leader Sam Houston State at 7 p.m.

The Cardinals (7-8, 2-4) are coming off an emphatic three-set victory at Texas A&M-Kingsville on Tuesday night where they held the Javelinas to a .000 attack percentage for the match.  The Bearkats (9-6, 6-0) have won five consecutive matches and 7-of-8 with their only loss in the past month coming against Washington State.

The Cardinals rely upon three young players to do much of the team's attacking.  Sophomore Angelique Vidaurri (San Antonio/Southwest HS) leads the team with 3.11 kills per set and a .242 attack percentage.  Freshmen Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) and Brittani Dear (La Vernia/La Vernia HS) combine for over 5.00 kills per set as well as nearly six digs per set.  Senior setter Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) directs the attack with 5.83 assists per set while Meaghan Patterson (Helotes/O'Connor HS) patrols the net with 1.11 blocks per set.

The Bearkats have a solid offense that is led by setter Taylor Gray and outside hitter Devene Wells-Gibson.  Gray hands out 10.55 assists per set while Wells-Gibson pounds out 4.24 kills per set with a .207 attack percentage.  Haley Neisler is the team's top middle blocker with 2.62 kills and 1.05 blocks per set to go with a .252 attack percentage.

The Cardinals will be celebrating Dig Pink Night at the McDermott Convocation Center.
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