SAN ANTONIO, TX – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team is set to host Sam Houston State on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the McDermott Center for their fourth Southland Conference match of the season.
 
OPENING SET
 
The Cardinals (5-11, 1-3 SLC) have played opponents tough this season in the McDermott Center and the team will look for their third home victory of the season. This will be the only meeting of the season between the Bearkats and the Cardinals. Sam Houston State enters Thursday's action on a two match-winning streak after victories against Nicholls and McNeese.
 
The Bearkats (8-9, 2-2 SLC) are 2-4 on the road this year and they currently sit in seventh place in the Southland Conference standings with a 2-2 record. The Sam Houston State attack averages 12.6 kills/ set while the Cardinals are averaging 11.1 kills/ set.
 
SCOUTING THE BEARKATS
 
2016: 8-9 overall, 2-2 SLC
Last Match: W 3-1, McNeese
Head Coach: Brenda Gray
Key Attacking Players:
#4 Jr. Jordyn Vaughn (3.45 kills/ set)
#12 Jr. Brooke White (3.20 kills/ set)
#3 Sr. Michelle Griffith (9.00 assists/ set)
Key Defensive Players:
#2 Sr. Claire Kilpatrick (3.17 digs/ set)
#8 Sr. Breanna Homer (2.86 digs/ set)
#5 So.Taylor Cunningham (0.76 blocks/ set)
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
2016: 5-11 overall, 1-3 SLC
Last Match: L 3-1, Northwestern State
Head Coach: Jennifer Montoya
Key Attacking Players:
#6 So. Autumn Lockley (3.80 kills/ set)
#42 Jr. Bryaunea Hall (2.49 kills/ set)
#22 Jr. Madison Williams (6.75 assists/ set)
Key Defensive Players:
#18 Sr. Shaina Garza (2.95 digs/ set)
#6 So. Autumn Lockley (2.57 digs/set)
#11 Jr. Sarea Alexander (0.93 blocks/ set)
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
This will be the forth matchup all-time between the two schools as Sam Houston State Currently leads the series with a 1-2 record. Last year, the Bearkats defeated the Cardinals 3-0 in the McDermott Center.
 
UP NEXT
 
After Thursday, UIW will host Stephen F. Austin at the McDermott Center on Saturday starting at 11 a.m.