COMMERCE, TX – The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team capped its 14-match road trip with a come-from-behind five-set victory over East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) on Saturday afternoon. 

Set 1: UIW 25 (1), ETAMU 23 (0)       

The opening set was tightly contested, featuring 12 ties and five lead changes. The Lions held the advantage for much of the frame but never by more than three points. That kept the Cardinals within striking distance, and they finally grabbed their first lead at 24-23. Finley Evans sealed the set with her fifth kill, giving UIW the early edge. 

Set 2: UIW 22 (1), ETAMU 25 (1)      

Much like the opening frame, the Lions controlled set two from start to finish. Eight ties and four lead changes kept things close, but the Lions were able to close the set out to even things up at one apiece. Evans put up five kills in the frame to bring her total to ten on the afternoon. 

Set 3: UIW 23 (1), ETAMU 25 (2)      

The Cardinals struggled on the offensive end in set three, recording a .083 hitting percentage in the frame. The Red and Black defense kept things close holding the Lions to a .164 hitting percentage, but it wasn't enough as ETAMU took a 2-1 lead. 

Set 4: UIW 25 (2), ETAMU 19 (2)      

UIW put together their best offensive performance of the afternoon in set four to keep the match alive. The Red and Black tallied a .261 hitting percentage, being led by Evans who recorded five more kills in the fourth frame. As a team the Cardinals tallied four blocks to send. the match to a decisive fifth set.  

Set 5: UIW 15 (3), ETAMU 13 (2)      

After falling behind 5-1, the Cardinals stormed back with a 7-0 run to grab an 8-5 lead. UIW stretched the advantage to 10-6 before the Lions rallied to even the score at 11-11. Trailing 13-12, the Red and Black closed the door with a decisive 3-0 run to seal the match and remain unbeaten in conference play. 

Calissa Allison recorded her 12th double-double of the season, dishing out a career-high 51 assists to go along with 16 digs. Finley Evans fueled the attack with a career-best 24 kills, while Ashton Rogers steadied the defense with a career-high 24 digs. At the net, Vanessa Eregie paced the Cardinals with a match-leading three blocks. 

UIW returns home for a four-match homestand at the McDermott Center, beginning Thursday at 6 p.m. against Nicholls State. 

FOLLOW ALONG    
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--UIW CARDINALS--