SAN ANTONIO -- The University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team begins a three-game road trip this week, opening with East Texas A&M on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m. before heading to Natchitoches, La., to face Northwestern State on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m.

The Cardinals are coming off a 2-0 week at home, defeating McNeese in five sets before taking down Nicholls in four.

Allison recorded a triple-double in both matches during UIW's undefeated week, bringing her season total to four, the most in the Southland Conference and the second-most in Division I. The performances moved Allison into a tie for ninth on the NCAA career triple-double list. She totaled 38 kills while hitting .348, adding 53 assists and 23 digs across the two matches. Allison averaged 4.22 kills, 5.89 assists and 2.67 digs per set.

UIW currently sits in a tie for second in the Southland Conference standings with SFA, trailing conference leaders Southeastern and UTRGV, who are tied for first. The Cardinals will look to climb the standings as they continue conference play on the road this week.

EAST TEXAS A&M (9-14, 3-7 Southland)

WHEN AND WHERE: Thursday, Oct. 29, at 6:30 p.m., The Field House (Commerce, Texas)

ABOUT THE LIONS: The Lions enter Thursday's matchup against UIW after suffering back-to-back sweeps against SFA and Lamar last week. They currently sit in ninth place in the conference standings with three conference wins. The Lions rank second in the Southland in hitting percentage, led by Ariana Brown, who averages 3.21 kills per set and hits .246 on the season. Defensively, libero Jade Washington leads the way, ranking fourth in the conference with 4.69 digs per set and 417 digs on the season. 

MATCHUP HISTORY: The all-time series between the two teams is tied at 11-11. The Cardinals are riding a four-game winning streak and defeated the Lions 3-1 at home earlier this season.

NORTHWESTERN ST. (12-13, 4-6 Southland)

WHEN AND WHERE: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m., Prather Coliseum (Natchitoches, La.)

ABOUT THE DEMONS: Northwestern State dropped both of its matches last week, falling 1-3 to Lamar and 0-3 to SFA. The Demons will host Houston Christian this week before welcoming the Cardinals to Natchitoches. Northwestern State currently sits tied for seventh in the conference standings. The Demons rank third in the Southland in digs per set, averaging 15.09, led by Jade Washington, who averages 4.75 digs per set and ranks 14th nationally, just behind Rogers. Elsie Sanchez leads the team offensively, ranking fifth in the conference with 3.37 kills per set and 276 kills on the season. Jade Longland leads the Demons assists, averaging 9.39 per set to rank third in the Southland. 

MATCHUP HISTORY: Northwestern State leads the all-time series 14-6, but the Cardinals have won the last six meetings. UIW already defeated the Demons 3-1 at home earlier this season.
 

FOLLOW ALONG

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