SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team opened up Southland Conference home schedule with a 3-set loss, 25-16, 25-22, 25-22 to conference favorite, Central Arkansas, Saturday at the McDermott Center.

The Sugar Bears (7-7, 2-0) got off to a strong start in the first set, hitting .371, and only allowing a .111 attack to the Cardinals.

The second set was a different story.  Both the Cardinals (4-10, 0-1) and Sugar Bears hit under .100, but the Sugar Bears managed to use Heather Schnars' six kills in the set to win it.  This was the Cardinals worst attack set of the afternoon, but they still threatened UCA.  It was a set of runs with each team putting together multiple instances of at least five consecutive points.  The Cardinals turned a 20-13 deficit into a 21-20 contest before the visitors were able to close out the set.

The third set saw six lead changes and two ties. The Cardinals did not go down easy, but the championship mettle of the Sugar Bears proved to be the difference in the end.  The set began with UCA taking the early lead, but UIW battled back and led 21-18 before the Sugar Bears closed out the match by scoring seven of the final eight points.

Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) led the Cardinals with seven kills, while also adding five digs and one block.  She did not commit an attack error in the match.  Kaitlyn Brooks (Sugar Land/Tyler JC) dished out 12 assists while Birttani Dear (La Vernia/La Vernia HS) led the team with 13 digs and Claudia Hernandez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) followed, with 12 digs.  The Cardinals had 48 digs, 7.0 blocks and a .101 attack.

Schnars led Central Arkansas with 18 kills, giving her a .366 attack, while also adding six digs. For the match the Sugar Bears overpowered the Cardinals with 20 more kills than UIW.  Overall, the team had 49 digs, 8.0 blocks and a .207 attack percentage.  Kristine Hjembo led all players with 37 assists while Shelbee Berringer had 18 digs.

The Cardinals continue conference play at home, this Sunday at 2 p.m. against Abilene Christian at the McDermott Center.
####
pr14409smm