HAMMOND, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team's comeback fell short, losing to SLU in five, 12-25, 15-25, 25-23, 25-22, 15-12 at the University Center on Saturday.   

The Cardinals (7-5, 0-2) dropped its second five-set conference game to open conference play. After dropping the first two sets in today's matchup, the Cardinals came back to force a fifth set, but they couldn't complete the come-from-behind win on the road. 

Risa Sena had another big game, leading the team in kills with 15. When UIW was up,  Sena played a big role in that, recording four kills in sets three and four. Finley Evans and Kyla Malone were also big contributors in the kill department, recording 13 and 12, respectively.  

After missing Thursday night at Commerce, Calissa Allison returned to the starting lineup and picked up right where she left off. Allison nearly recorded her fourth triple-double of the season, putting up 26 assists, 16 digs, and eight kills.  

Audrey Patton finished with 17 digs to lead the Cardinals. Patton also added four assists from the libero position.  

Kade Thomas was the team leader in blocks, with three, bringing her total to 46 for the year.  

Set 1: UIW 12 (0), SLU 25 (1)  

The Lady Lions controlled set one with 15 kills and a .429 hitting percentage. A 9-0 run towards the end of the set put the set out of reach. 

Set 2: UIW 15 (0), SLU 25 (2) 

SLU followed up set one with a 16-kill set two. After tying the set up at 7-7, the Lady Lions went on an 8-0 run to take control. 

Set 3: UIW 25 (1), SLU 23 (2) 

The third set was a roller coaster, with neither team leading by more than two at any point. After SLU tied the set up at 23-23, Evans got the final two points to shut the door on the Lady Lions. 

Set 4: UIW 25 (2), SLU 22 (2) 

After going down 9-4, the Cardinals went on a 6-0 run to take a 10-9 lead. UIW didn't trail the rest of the way as the Cardinals forced a fifth set. 

Set 5: UIW 12 (2), SLU 15 (3) 

Much like sets three and four, set five was close throughout. A 3-0 run by the Lady Lions brought the game to match point before they shut the door on the Cardinals' comeback. 

UIW returns home for the program's first home match of the season on Thursday, October 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the McDermott Center.  

FOLLOW ALONG  
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--UIW CARDINALS--