SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team is set to play in its first tournament of the season, the Texan Invitational hosted by Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. The action kicks off on Friday when UIW takes on University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in a nonconference matchup starting at 12:30 p.m. with the match streaming online on the WAC website. Later in the day, the Cardinals will take on PVAMU at 4:30 p.m. before facing the host school, Tarleton, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
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UIW
With a new season set to start, and a brand-new coach staff, the Cardinals have laid out a tough non-conference schedule. Coach Ording has scheduled three back-to-back weekends on the road in Stephenville, Arlington, and Boca Raton, Florida to truly test the toughness of her team.
Notable returners include senior Annamarie Alvarez who led the team with 261 kills last season and sophomore Kyla Malone who tabbed an impressive 248 kills as a freshman. To tie up the Cardinals dynamic trio, junior Risa Sena added an impressive 226 kills to her stat sheet. With the three forces on the front, the Cardinals front line is not going to be one to mess with.
The Last Time They Met
University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff
This will be the first matchup between the Cardinals and the Golden Lions.
For the second season in a row, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has had a player named to the SWAC All-Conference preseason team. Junior Laila Fortson dominated for the Golden Lions last season at her middle blocker position. With 163 kills and an average of 1.7 per set, it's no surprise Fortson was named to the preseason second team.
Coach Floyd has gathered a good but young squad in the offseason. With a total of five newcomers, it will be interesting to see what Arkansas- Pine Bluff will pull off this season.
PVAMU (UIW 2-3)
The Cardinals haven't seen the Panthers in almost two years. In their last matchup, PVAMU barely edged out Incarnate Word as the fifth set was won 17-15. Annamarie Alvarez logged eight kills as the second leading hitter for the Cardinals squad. Alvarez also tabbed a season-high six blocks throughout the game.
In their overall history, the Cardinals have the upper hand winning two of the total three matches they've played.
Tarleton State (UIW 1-3)
It's almost been a year since these two have matched up. In the four-set match, the Texans took the match 3-1.
Allison Palmi had 16 kills and Finley Evans added another 15. Though losing the game, UIW led in kills and assists.
Coming into the WAC Preseason Standings in ninth place, the ladies from Tarleton State are ready to host their season openers. After finishing last season 12-17, the Texans are looking for a hot start. Junior Grayson Schirpik looks to lead the offensive side for this team. Finishing last season with a team-high 275 kills, Schirpik has proven to be a force. Megan Haynes is another junior leader on the Texan Rider team. Finishing not too far behind Schirpik with 270 kills last year.
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--
