HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Despite a strong second set, the University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team fell in four sets against Sam Houston on Thursday night inside the Johnson Coliseum. 

UIW (2-7, 2-5 SLC) geared for a tough matchup as Sam Houston (7-1, 7-1 SLC) held a six-game winning streak going into tonight, after opening the season with a loss to Central Arkansas.

Jacqueline Arrington and Taylor Henderson led the squad at the net with three block assists each. Audrey Patton's 29 digs also led the team and all players on the court. 

Sam Houston jumped ahead early in the first set off a 5-0 scoring run. Despite closing the set on a 3-0 run, the Cardinals dropped the first set, 25-15.

UIW found its groove in the second set getting ahead with two kills by Arrington and a block by Henderson. The Cardinals broke out on a 4-0 run with kills by Annamarie Alvarez, Henderson and Bethany Clapp for a, 15-8 lead. 

SHSU worked its way back to make it a one-point game 21-20. The Cardinals held on eventually taking the set 25-22.

UIW jumped out to an early 4-1 lead to start the third set behind two kills from Chase Jackson. The Cardinals held on to the lead through the front end of the set leading by as much as four. The Bearkats worked to tie the game, 17-17, and eventually taking the lead off a 3-1 run. Sam Houston won the third set going on a 5-0 run, 25-20.

Late in the fourth set, UIW broke out on a 4-0 run to get within striking distance, 17-16, but Sam Houston conceded just two points on an 8-2 run to take the set and the match. 

UP NEXT

UIW plays at Northwestern State on Saturday, March 13 at 1:30 p.m., inside Prather Coliseum. 

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 UIW Volleyball on Twitter @UIWVolleyball and Instagram @UIW_Volleyball.