SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team went 2-1 on the weekend at the 2023 Owls Paradise Classic. After suffering a loss in the first match, the Cardinals bounced back to finish off a very successful weekend with wins over Bethune –Cookman and Youngstown State. Kade Thomas finished the weekend with 17 kills to earn a spot on the All-Tournament Team.  

UIW vs FAU (0-3)  

The Cardinals got off to a late start in game one, losing the match in three sets, however, UIW still played a very competitive game.  

The Owls started off set one with an early 10-6 lead, though a firing kill by Thomas brought UIW back within one. As play stretched on, the match was tied at 18, 19, and then again at 23, but FAU's roll extended to match point.  

Set two saw UIW take the early lead with an 8-2 score. Back-to-back kills by Annamarie Alvarez and Kyla Malone revamped the Cardinals' offense. After trading a few points, the Owls caught back up to tie the game at 14. A great setup by Anuhea Faitau helped Malone slam a ball to the other side for point 15. Points were traded until 20, but FAU used a timeout to pull back the momentum and take set two, 25-23. 

Set three was met with many errors on both sides of the floor. Evenly traded points were given again but ultimately FAU closed out the match with a 25-19 set win.  

UIW vs Bethune-Cookman (3-0) 

After taking a loss in the morning against FAU, the Cardinals came charging back to beat the Wildcats on Friday night in four sets.  

UIW had a strong start winning the first two sets 25-23 and 25-18. Countless kills and aces from Mariela Nieto and Malone surged the Cardinals to wins in the first two sets, though in set three UIW suffered a small setback.  

To close out set four, UIW played to extra points in a come-from-behind victory. Going down 18-20 didn't scare the Cardinals as Alexis Walker slammed a kill to ignite the momentum. Each point was traded from team to team until Alvarez served a perfect ace to take the set 27-25. 

UIW vs Youngstown State (3-1) 

In another exciting four set match, UIW beat the Penguins by capturing a win in the fourth set 25-20.  

Allison Palmi came up big for the Cardinals with her stat line of 12 kills, 10 digs, and a block. Kade Thomas finished right behind her with a season-high 11 kills and a block assist. Showing her worth on both sides of the court, Malone had seven kills, three aces, 15 digs, and two block assists.  

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--