NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team lost in straight sets to Stephen F. Austin 25-12, 25-20, 25-18 in a Southland Conference match at Shelton Gym on Thursday.

With the win, the Ladyjacks (10-7, 3-0 SLC) are on a current 3-game winning streak, which includes nine straight sets to start conference, and eight wins in their last 10 matches.

The Cardinals (5-11, 1-2 SLC) started the first set very slow, losing seven of the first nine points. They attempted a comeback and made it 8-5, but after that, the Ladyjacks went on a big run, taking 14 of the next 18 points and ultimately took the set 25-12.

The second set started similarly to the first set. The Ladyjacks won 10 of the first 15 points, but the Cardinals would not go away quietly.  After being down 16-9, UIW went on to win nine of the next 12 points to make it 19-18.  That would be as close as the Cardinals would get as SFA scored the final four points of the set.

The 2-0 deficit for the Cardinals proved to be too much to overcome.  SFA continued their efficient attack and held on to win the final set, 25-18.

Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) led the Cardinals with nine kills and also adding six digs.  Kaitlyn Brooks (Sugar Land/Fort Bend Austin) directed the offense with 16 assists while Taylor McClelland (Cypress/Cypress Ranch HS) added 15 assists. Claudia Hernandez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) was the top defender with nine digs for the night. As a team, the Cardinals hit .139 and only had 39 digs.

Tori Bates led the Ladyjacks with 12 kills and an outstanding .429 hitting percentage.  Paige Holland dished out 29 assists and Jill Ivy led with 13 digs.  As a team, they hit .326 for the match.

The Cardinals will stay on the road and play Northwestern State in another conference matchup on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
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