SAN ANTONIO- The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team is set to take flight this weekend in Boca Raton, Florida at the 2023 Owls Paradise Classic hosted by Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Playing the host team to kick off the tournament at 11 a.m. on Friday (9/8), the Cardinals are matched for an early start. To continue the day, they'll play at 3:30 p.m. against Bethune-Cookman. UIW will have another early start to close out the tournament in Boca Raton as the Cardinals face Youngstown State at 9 a.m. All match times are in CST.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
THE LAST TIME THEY MET
FAU (4-3)
This will be the first matchup between the Owls and the Cardinals.
FAU comes into the match with a 4-3 start to the season. Sophomore Arianna Beckham and junior Kaila Ru are leading the Owls offensively with 62 kills each. Both have over a 2.4 kill-to-set ratio that makes them dangerous to other teams. In addition, Ru has already achieved this feat in only 22 sets so it will be interesting to see how she keeps rolling throughout the season.
Bethune-Cookman (0-6)
The Cardinals will take on another first as they face the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman.
BCU isn't off to its best start this season with a 0-6 record. However, that doesn't take away from the players that could get UIW in trouble. Jasmine Moore has started to gain momentum with her 27 kills this year. The redshirt senior has only played in 16 of the 18 total sets but will for sure be one to watch on the outside. Setter Madison Coates will be another Wildcat to watch. With her total of 47 assists and 23 digs this season, Coates has shown her versatility early.
Youngstown State (3-3)
It will be a whole tournament of first for UIW as this matchup with also be another first between these two teams.
The Penguins are off to a 3-3 start after facing some tough teams in their first six matchups this season. Recently coming off a successful weekend at the Toledo Invitational where they went 2-1, Youngstown State is looking to ride high off the momentum. In addition, this has also been the best start since 2014.
UIW (5-1)
The Cardinals are finding their groove on both sides of the floor. With a hot 5-1 start, they currently lead the standings in the Southland Conference. Not to mention, junior Annamarie Alvarez was just named the SLC's Offensive Player of the Week after a fantastic showing at the UTA Classic in Arlington, Texas.
Leading the hitting side of the flock are returners Allison Palmi and Kyla Malone. Palmi is averaging 3.67 kills per set with 77 kills on the season. Malone has tallied 66 kills and maintained a 3.14 ratio. The offensive side has been on fire with these two at the front.
Audrey Patton has been a strong pillar of UIW's defense. With her total 68 digs on the season, Patton is fourth in the conference but has the least number of sets played. The senior has started her rise at the right time.
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--
