Box Score SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team mounted a furious comeback against Southland Conference rival Northwestern State on Saturday before losing in five sets at the McDermott Center.

After the Cardinals (11-11, 6-7) went fell behind two sets to none to the Lady Demons (16-10, 11-2) they came back.  A quick third set was expected to wrap up the game for the visitors.  However, a defiant comeback from UIW saw the match go to a thrilling fifth set that unfortunately saw them fall down at the final hurdle.

The Lady Demons pulled out a 26-24, 25-22, 23-25, 11-25, 15-8 victory over the Cardinals with outside hitter Ashley Elrod leading the team with 16 kills, 17 digs and an attacking percentage of .229.  Both Stacey DiFrancesco and Mackenie Neely also recorded a double digit kills, with DiFrancesco on 10 and Neely on 14.  Overall they had 60 kills, 84 digs, 11.0 blocks and a .168 attack percentage.  Emily Johnson had 24 assists while Natalie Jaeger added 21 assists.

The Cardinals had a total of 50 kills, 81 digs, 8.0 blocks and a .153 attack percentage, with Brittani Dear (La Vernia/La Vernia HS) leading the team with 13 kills and 12 digs.  Angelique Vidaurri (San Antonio/Southwest HS) ended her game with 11 kills and .333 attacking percentage while both Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) and Beth Soukup (Helotes/O'Connor HS) had nine kills.  Garza led the team with 21 digs.  Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) contributed 23 assists while Sarah Cardenas (San Antonio/O'Connor HS) added 18 digs.

The Cardinals are back in action next Saturday at 7 p.m. as they host Abilene Christian University at the McDermott Center in a non-conference match.
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