ABILENE – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team went 2-1 on opening weekend of the 2025 season. The Cardinals lost in straight sets against Oklahoma on Friday but bounced back with wins over Abilene Christian University (ACU) and Missouri State University (MSU) on Saturday. 
 

Match 1: OU (3), UIW (0) 

Set 1: UIW 25 (0), OU 27 (0)      

The Cardinals led most of the set until a late run by Oklahoma allowed them to claw back into it. After leading 20-15, the Sooners roared back to take the set. Senior outside hitter, Kyla Malone, led both sides in kills with six in the first frame. Sophomore setter Calissa Allison led both sides with 11 assists.   

Set 2: UIW 22 (0), OU 25 (2)     

Set two was tightly contested, with both sides' biggest lead being just three points. Like in set one, the Cardinals held the lead most of the way, but a late surge from Oklahoma gave them the set win. Allison led both sides in assists, with nine in the frame, bringing her total to 20 through two sets.   

Set 3: UIW 22 (0), OU 25 (3)     

The Sooners never trailed in set three and led by as many as eight late in the frame. However, the Red and Black went on a run late in the set, tying things up at 23-23. Oklahoma secured the final two points to finish the sweep.  

Malone led the Cardinals in kills with nine. Allison finished with a match-leading 23 assists and a team-leading seven digs. Sophomore middle blocker Vanessa Eregie finished with a match-leading four blocks.  

Match 2: ACU (2), UIW (3)  

Set 1: UIW 27 (1), ACU 25 (0)      

After leading for most of the set, ACU used a 7-0 run to pull ahead by one. The Wildcats were at match point, 24-22, but couldn't convert, which led to UIW tying things up. UIW secured the final two points and the set for the win.  

Set 2: UIW 22 (1), ACU 25 (1)     

The Cardinals and Wildcats played a tight set two, with neither team leading by more than four points. After UIW tied the set up at 22-22, ACU went on a 3-0 run to take the set and even things up.   

Set 3: UIW 19 (1), ACU 25 (2)     

The Wildcats wouldn't be denied in set three. Every time the Cardinals took a lead, ACU responded with a run to take a lead. The Wildcats ended the set on an 8-1 run to run away with set three.  

Set 4: UIW 25 (2), ACU 18 (2)     

The Cardinals controlled set four from start to end to force a decisive set five. After falling behind 1-0, UIW never trailed in the set again.  

Set 5: UIW 15 (3), ACU 12 (2)     

After taking an early three-point lead, the Wildcats came roaring back to tie the game at 6-6. Both teams exchanged points to bring the score to an 8-8 tie late in the set. The Cardinals ended the set on a 7-4 run to secure their first win of the season.  

Finley Evans led the Cardinals in kills with 14. Calissa Allison finished with a team-leading 33 assists and 16 digs. Vanessa Eregie finished with a team-leading six blocks. 

Match 3: MSU (1), UIW (3)   

Set 1: UIW 21 (0), MSU 25 (1)  

A back-and-forth first set ended on a 5-0 Bear run to give MSU the win in set one.  

Set 2: UIW 25 (1), MSU 19 (1)      

Following their set one loss, the Cardinals maintained control of the match en route to their second win of the day. A 6-0 run late in set two propelled the Cardinals to a set two victory to even things up.  

Set 3: UIW 25 (2), MSU 18 (1)      

Another late run by the Cardinals helped them win in set three. A late 5-0 run gave the Cardinals the cushion they needed to take the set and pull ahead 2-1.  

Set 4: UIW 26 (3), MSU 24 (1)      

The Cardinals led by as many as seven in set four, but a 6-0 Bear run made things interesting. The Cardinals kept their composure despite the run to come away with the win.  

Finley Evans led all players in kills with 15. Calissa Allison finished with a match-leading 32 assists and 19 digs. Kade Thomas finished with four match-leading blocks.  

UIW is back in action at the BYU Nike Invitational this upcoming weekend. The Cardinals will take on Wichita State, the University of Northern Colorado, and the host, BYU. 

FOLLOW ALONG    
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on X @UIWAthletics, and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW athletics.    
Follow the team on X @UIWVolleyball and Instagram @uiw_volleyball. 

--UIW CARDINALS--