SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team extended its success over the weekend at the UTA Classic. Finishing the tournament 2-1, the Cardinals moved on to an impressive 5-1 start to the season. Annamarie Alvarez and Allison Palmi were named to the All-Tournament Team.  

UIW vs Presbyterian College (3-0) 

Though starting out the first set slow, the Cardinals hung on to take a demanding 3-0 sweep over the  Blue Holes. Allison Palmi led all hitters with a season-best 17 kills, Kyla Malone followed behind her with an impressive 11 kills.  

Set one was nail-biting until the end. As Presbyterian took a 20-17 lead Coach Ording took a much-needed timeout. As the Cardinals gathered themselves back on the floor, they went for a 3-0 run to make it 19-20. The hitting trio of Palmi, Malone, and Annamarie Alvarez came to the fences as UIW stormed back in the set. Both teams tied for 24 and a back-and-forth match was set. The score rose to 27-26 as the Cardinals held on for match point. An attack by the Blue Holes came but Finley Evans and Alvarez denied with a huge block to close out set one.  

UIW flowed with its momentum onto sets two and three to take the match over the Blue Holes.  

UIW vs UT Arlington (0-3) 

The Cardinals suffered their first loss against the Mustangs on Friday night. The match was a tight back and forth rally, but a few small mistakes cost UIW. 

Though it only went to three sets, the match was a battle. Malone led the way for the Cardinals with 10 kills, 13 digs, and an ace. Palmi added nine kills and setter Natalie Kimmel tallied 16 assists, 15 digs, and another ace.  

UIW vs LA Tech (3-1) 

The Cardinals closed out the UTA Classic with a big win over the Bulldogs. Winning the match in four sets, UIW came back to showcase its talent following the first loss of the season.  

It was a tough go around from start to finish with both teams keeping up the pressure. UIW fought hard as Palmi lead all players with 13 kills, 12 digs, and three blocks. Alvarez tallied 11 kills and four blocks, including one that decided the momentum of the game in the fourth set. On the defensive side, Mariela Nieto cleaned up the floor for UIW. With 13 of the teams 66 digs, Nieto helped lead the Cardinals to victory.  

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--