Box Score EDINBURG, TEXAS – Playing their first match against an NCAA Division I opponent in 2013, the University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team lost in five sets on the road at UT-Pan American 25-23, 13-25, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12.

The Cardinals (3-2) and Broncs (6-3) were evenly matched with nearly every countable statistic almost exactly even.  UIW had one more point and one more assist while the Broncs had one more kill, one more attack error and two more attack attempts in the match.

This was the first five set match of the season for the Cardinals and one they will likely remember for a while since they led by a set heading into the fourth set.  In the defining fifth set, the Broncs were able to maintain a slim lead throughout and came away with the win.

The Cardinals had three players finish with 12 kills apiece, Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS), Angelique Vidaurri (San Antonio/Southwest HS) and Beth Soukup (Helotes/O'Connor HS).  Taylor McClelland (Cypress/Cypress Ranch HS) had 20 assists and 20 digs in the match while Danielle Suarez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) added 19 assists.

Sarah Cardenas (San Antonio/O'Connor HS) and Brittani Dear (La Vernia/La Vernia HS) led the UIW defense with 27 and 25 digs, respectively.  Dear also led the team with four blocks.

Maria Kliefoth was top offensive player for the Broncs.  She had 16 kills and a .538 attack while Nycole Masaki directed the attack with 44 assists.  Masaki and Nausheen Merchant each added 21 digs.

The Cardinals are back in action on Monday when they take on Texas Tech in their home opener at the McDermott Convocation Center at 6 p.m.
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