SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team will host the 2023 UIW Cardinal Classic from Thursday, September 14, to Friday, September 15. After a long three weeks on the road, the Cardinals will finally play at home in the McDermott Center. Play for the classic will kickoff at 6 p.m. on Thursday night when UIW will face hometown rival UTSA. To close out the weekend, the Cardinals will face ORU in a Friday night match at 6 p.m.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
THE LAST TIME THEY MET
UTSA (UIW, 1-3)
The battle of the birds has been a longstanding hometown rivalry. In the total five matches between the two teams, UTSA has won all.
In their last matchup almost a year ago, the Cardinals took the Roadrunners to four sets at the UTSA Invitational. Risa Sena had a stellar game with 17 kills, 14 digs, and three blocks. Annamarie Alvarez and Allison Palmi each added eight kills and Mariela Nieto dug up 17 balls as the main libero in the game.
ORU (UIW, 0-3)
UIW hasn't seen the Owls in seven years. Their last matchup in 2016 was at the Crain Automotive Invitational in Conway, Arkansas. Interestingly enough, first year assistant coach for the Cardinals, Shelby Cox, played in the match and finished with 13 kills, two digs, and three blocks. In the total three matchups between these two teams, ORU has won all three times.
UIW (7-3)
The Cardinals are off to one of their best starts in program history. Chemistry on the team is rolling in the right direction and Coach Gabby Ording couldn't be happier with the timing as SLC play begins next week.
Leading the Cardinals is senior Allison Palmi. With 113 kills to her name already this season, she's proven herself as a force not to be messed with. Sophomore Kyla Malone has also taken a leadership role this year. As she's collected 99 kills this season, Malone has also shown her versatility on all spots of the floor as she's also collected 97 digs to her name. Malone currently leads the team in digs.
UIW is currently number one overall in the latest conference standings. Leading all teams in points, assists, and digs the Cardinals groove has never been better.
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--
