SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball dropped a pair of matches on Friday at the University Plaza/Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Tournament hosted by Missouri State to Western Kentucky and UW-Milwaukee.

The Cardinals (1-4) battled the Hilltoppers (3-2) to close results in all three sets, but were unable to break through in a 25-21, 25-18, 25-20 loss.  In the first set, UIW trailed 17-16 before Western Kentucky reeled off five of the next six points.  The second set was similar with the Cardinals trailing 15-13 before WKU scored three straight points and never led by less than four points the rest of the way.  In the final set, the Hilltoppers jumped out to an early lead and kept UIW at bay for most of the set.

The Cardinals posted a .152 attack percentage for the match while hitting 37 kills with 51 digs.  Shaina Garza (San Antonio/Warren HS) led the team with 10 kills and 13 digs.  Brittani Dear (LaVernia/LaVernia HS) added eight kills, eight digs and a .333 attack.  Meaghan Patterson (Helotes/O'Connor HS) added a .571 attack while Kaitlyn Brooks dished out 20 assists (Sugar Land/Fort Bend Austin HS).

The Hilltoppers posted a .314 attack for the match and pounded out 40 kills.  Setter Jessica Lucas had 30 assists and 18 digs.  Noelle Langenkamp posted a .526 attack with 10 kills.  Kaelin Grimes added 11 digs.

"We have a weekend full of quality opponents," said UIW head coach Jen Montoya.  "Western Kentucky and Wisconsin-Milwaukee are both great programs.  Our team is competing well, however our youth is evident.  Our freshmen are learning a lot and are gaining valuable experience that is really going to help prepare them for conference play.  We are getting significantly better each time we step on the court."

In the second match of the day, the Cardinals lost 25-19, 25-16, 25-19.  Angelique Vidaurri (San Antonio/Southwest HS) and Garza combined for 20 kills in the match.  Vidaurri led the way with 11 kills and a .320 attack while Garza had a .250 attack and nine digs.  Claudia Hernandez (San Antonio/Antonian HS) led the team with 11 digs and Brooks led the team with 16 assists.

The Panthers finished the match with a .243 attack percentage.  Julie Kolinske and Hannah Blanchard each had 11 kills while Myanna Ruiz finished with eight kills and 15 digs.  Kayla Price contributed 35 assists and Taylor Golabowski had 14 digs.

The Cardinals are back in action on Saturday at 12:30 against Missouri State and at 5 p.m. against Oral Roberts.
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