Box Score ABILENE, TEXAS – Senior Bethany Clapp and sophomore Annamaire Alvarez combined for 27 total kills in the University of the Incarnate Word's 3-1 victory over the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) for the first match of the Abilene Christian University (ACU) Invitational.
 
The Cardinals came out strong with double digit kills in the three sets the Cardinals secured. Clapp led the team with 14 total kills on the match. With a strong start to the season, the veteran reflects on the first match of the 2021 season.
 
"It was super exciting to start off our first game with very consistent play through the whole match. Seeing everything we worked on in practice translated beautifully to the game!" said Clapp. 
 
The Cardinals combined for a total of 54 kills, 49 assists, four service aces, 85 digs and 22 blocks. "Everyone did their jobs and trusted each other, which ultimately led us to our first win. I can't wait to see the improvement with each game," said Clapp.
 
The Cardinals secured the first set with a burst of offense. Kills from graduate student Chase Jackson, sophomore Allison Palmi, sophomore Annamaire Alvarez as well as Clapp led the Cardinals to a strong start to the match.
 
"A really solid start to our season as we stayed to our game plan the whole time and never lost focus," said Alvarez. "We were consistent with our play which really shows our growth as a team. I am super excited to keep developing with the girls."
 
The second set of the match went to the Mavericks of UTA. A strong serving set from the Mavericks shook the Cardinals defensive.
 
In the third set of the match the Cardinals bounced back with what they are best at, offense. Sophomore, Jacqueline Arrington joined the explosive offense in kills to set the Cardinals ahead of the Mavericks.
 
In the final set of the match, the Cardinals came out with high energy. Three kills from Palmi, Clapp and Alvarez quickly put the Cardinals up three points. Then, the defense from Nailah Landon pushed the Cardinals in the right direction for the rest of the match. Kills from senior, Pilar Gonzaba as well as Palmi guided the Cardinals to victory.
 
The Cardinals high offense would not have been possible without the stellar performance from setters, Natalie Martin and Gonzaba. Both combined for 39 total assists. The defense from junior libero, Macy Sumrall set the tone for the explosive offense the Cardinals showcased this afternoon. Sumrall tallied 23 total digs for the day.
 
Head coach Samantha Dabbs Thomas spoke on how the entire team rallied together to achieve a victory for the season opener.
 
"The overall team maturity level was on display today," said coach Dabbs Thomas. "We are learning how to weather the ups and downs of a match. We are hoping to build on the success that we have had for the remainder of the weekend."
 
UP NEXT
 
The Cardinals continue their run in the ACU Invitational tomorrow, August 28 as they face ACU at 11 A.M. followed by a second match against UTA at 3 P.M.
 
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 at UIW Athletics.

Follow the team on Twitter @UIWVolleyball and on Instagram @uiw_volleyball.