SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word women's volleyball team will finish out Southland Conference play at home this week as they host Texas A&M- Commerce and Northwestern State. As the SLC tournament starts next week, the Cardinals are currently sitting in sixth place in the latest poll. Thursday night's match will be against Texas A&M- Commerce at 6 p.m., while Saturday's Senior Day against Northwestern State will take place at 11 a.m.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
Texas A&M- Commerce (UIW, 2-3)
It's always been a battle when these two teams match up throughout the season. In their last match on Oct. 5, the fight lasted five sets and the Lions took the win 22-20.
In that game, UIW had a season-high 72 kills on 209 total attacks. As a team they also had 65 assists and 95 digs.
The senior duo of Annamarie Alvarez and Allison Palmi led the way for UIW with a combined 33 kills. Alvarez also added another three blocks to her stat sheet while Kade Thomas led the Cardinals' defense at the net with five blocks. Mariela Nieto had a game-high 20 digs and Anuhea Faitau followed with 17.
Northwestern State (UIW, 2-3)
Five-set matches seem to be a pattern for UIW as the last time they faced the Demons, in October, the match also went to five sets. NSU won the battle after taking the fifth setting and winning 3-2.
Once again, the senior duo led the Cardinal offense. Alvarez had 17 kills with a season-high seven blocks. Palmi acquired 11 kills and two blocks. Sophomore Alexis Walker had a fantastic game for UIW with eight kills and seven blocks as well.
UIW (13-15)
The Cardinals are coming into the week on a two-game losing streak after being away from home. As they start the two-game homestand, UIW has a conference record of 4-5 at the McDermott Center.
Countless injuries have caused Head Coach Gabby Ording to make a few changes to the lineups, but the Cardinals' underclassmen have held up well. With the leadership of senior Allison Palmi, who leads the team with 303 kills on the season, UIW has maintained a consistent force at the net. Risa Sena is second on the team with 238 kills to her name.
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.
--UIW CARDINALS--
