NEW ORLEANS – University of the Incarnate Word traveled to Louisiana on Thursday evening where they defeated the University of New Orleans (UNO) in three sets.
 
UIW advances their overall record against UNO to 7-2 while being 5-2 at New Orleans. The Cardinals are on a three-game winning streak against the Privateers.
 
Annamarie Alvarez led the Cardinal's offense with nine kills followed by Bethany Clapp and Nailah Landon both tallying six. Natalie Kimmel set up the offense with 18 assists. Natalie Martin led at the service line with two aces on the night. Macy Sumrall led the Cardinal defense with eight digs.
 
"This was a solid away win for us where we played our game consistently and took care of our side of the net," said Alvarez. "I'm proud of the team coming off a hard week and doing our job tonight to get ready for Saturday's match."
 
The Cardinals secured the first set 25-15. With two early kills and a block from Alvarez and Landon the Cardinals went on an early 3-0 scoring run to start the match. UNO answered back with two quick points before the Cardinals went on a 4-0 scoring run from Allison Palmi, Jacqueline Arrington and Chase Jackson's offense. This explosive offense gave the Cardinals the advantage tallying 14 kills in the first set of the match.
 
The Privateers inched forward throughout the second set. There were four tied scores and one led change. The Cardinals ultimately took the set 25-23. Clapp led the set with four kills. The Cardinals tallied three service aces in this match which led them to victory in a close set.
 
The Cardinals ended the match in the third set with a score of 25-16. The set started neck and neck before the offense from UIW came alive. Alvarez led the set with three kills followed by Jackson, Palmi, and Risa Sena, all registering two kills in the set. It was a team effort offensively to secure the victory.
 
"Road wins are always good in conference," said head coach Samantha Dabbs Thomas. "UNO played us really well in and out of system. I thought our entire team did a nice job coming in tonight and doing their jobs. We just clicked tonight, and it felt good."
 
The Cardinals outscored the Privateers in kills (38-33), assists (35-32), service aces (7-2) and total team blocks (8-4).
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals continue their road stretch in Louisiana on Saturday, October 9 when they face Nicholls at 4:30 p.m. The Cardinals are 6-2 against Nicholls and 1-2 on the road.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWVolleyball and on Instagram @uiw_volleyball.