SAN ANTONIO - The University of the Incarnate Word Volleyball team will start its Southland Conference journey this weekend as the Cardinals take on Southeastern Louisiana at home on Thursday (9/21) night and Houston Christian on the road Saturday (9/23). Thursday night's game will be a "RED OUT" for the team's conference home opener, the first 100 students in the McDermott Center will receive a free shirt.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
THE LAST TIME THEY MET
SLU (UIW, 0-3)
In the last matchup between these two, the Lions swept the Cardinals in a heated three- set match. Though for the two regular conference matchups last year, the record was split 1-1.
In their storied history, UIW has the upper hand over SLU. Winning seven, over their total 13 matches played, the Cardinals are only on a one game losing streak in competition with the Lions.
In their last November 12 matchup, Kyla Malone led the way for UIW with nine kills and nine digs. Annamarie Alvarez added seven kills, a team-high four blocks, and a dig. Setter Natalie Kimmel was accredited with nine assists
HCU (UIW, 2-3)
After a thrilling five-set match in November of 2022, the rematch is set to bring the heat. In history, the Huskies have beaten the Cardinals 10 of the 15 times they've played, though in the last year, UIW and HCU split.
Malone once again led the way for UIW with 18 kills with Alvarez adding 14 this go around. Along with her kills, Malone padded her stats with 17 digs, an ace, and two assists. Risa Sena finished with nine kills, 14 digs, and an ace.
UIW (8-4)
The Cardinals are fired up heading into the conference. In one of their best starts (8-4), they are leading in the latest overall record polls for the SLC. Along with that, they currently are number one in points scored this season, assists, kills, and service aces. In hitting percentage, they're ranked second.
Middle blocker Annamarie Alvarez has had a great start to her senior campaign. Leading the conference in hitting percentage with a .465, Alvarez has capitalized on her strength when hitting the ball.
Junior Natalie Kimmel has also made a name for herself this season. With over 240 assists, Kimmel is averaging about 5.90 assists per set. Conference wise, she's holding her own in the service aces category with a total of 14 this season.
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--
