NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Down two sets on the road, the University of the Incarnate Word volleyball team stormed back to complete the reverse sweep over Stephen F. Austin on Thursday night. The Cardinals claimed the final three sets to secure a 3-2 victory and hand the Lumberjacks their first conference loss of the season.
SET ONE: The Cardinals pulled away to an early 6-0 run to head into the first timeout with a 15-11 lead. Out of the break, they continued to extend their lead into a 7-0 run before the Lumberjacks mounted their comeback. SFA brought it back even at 20, forcing the Cardinals to take a timeout while trailing 22-20. Incarnate Word had one last push out of the break to tie it up at 22, but SFA would go on to the opening set, 25-23.
SET TWO: SFA jumped out to an 8-3 lead before the Cardinals cut it back within one. A kill from Vanessa Eregie sparked a 6-0 run for UIW, giving the Cardinals a 15-13 advantage heading into the media timeout. The Cardinals maintained their slight edge, prompting an SFA timeout while trailing by four. However, the Lumberjacks responded with an 8-0 run out of the break to regain control and close out the set, 25-21, taking a two-set lead.
SET THREE: SFA controlled the opening points, with the third set featuring just one lead change as the Lumberjacks maintained their advantage through the majority of the frame. The Cardinals stayed within striking distance, keeping SFA's lead to no more than four points. A kill from Alex Beauchamp and a service ace from Sofia Grimm brought the Cardinals within two before a pair of Lumberjack errors evened the score. Incarnate Word closed on a 9-2 run to take their first set of the match, 25-22.
SET FOUR: The momentum started to flip as the Cardinals grabbed the early lead in set four, extending their advantage to 12-6 on a kill from Calissa Allison, which secured her first triple-double of the season. Incarnate Word held on to their lead through the media timeout while SFA trailed closely. The Lumberjacks cut the deficit to three on match point, forcing a Cardinal timeout. Out of the break, Alex Beauchamp delivered a kill to seal the set, 25-22, as Incarnate Word evened the match and forced a decisive fifth set.
SET FIVE: Eregie opened the the fifth set with a kill, as Cardinals took control early. Lily Roach added to her career high performance with back-to-back kills to help UIW maintain its lead. SFA continued to stay within reach, but Incarnate Word held firm down the stretch to secure the 15-10 victory and complete the reverse sweep.
Notables:
- Allison recorded her first triple-double of the season and the 14th of her career, finishing with 14 kills, 31 assists and 16 digs against the Lumberjacks.
- Lilly Roach turned in a career night with 17 kills and five digs.
- Bella Ceja, Victoria Hall and Eregie each set new career highs in digs. Ceja recorded 18, Hall added 13 and Eregie finished with five. Beauchamp contributed a season-high five digs.
- Ashton Rogers posted a season-high 28 digs and nine assists, tying her career high in assists.
- The Cardinals finished with team highs of 104 digs, 68 kills and 200 attacks, hitting .195 for the match.
The Cardinals will continue their road trip on Saturday, taking on Lamar at 11 a.m.
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on X @UIWAthletics, and on Instagram @uiw_athletics.
Follow the team on X @UIWVolleyball and on Instagram @uiw_volleyball.
