Box Score Oct. 9, 2014 Box Score BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar volleyball maybe 2-14 on the season, but they are a perfect 2-0 at home. The Lady Cardinals defeated Abilene Christian, 3-2 (22-25, 25-17, 25-21, 23-25, 15-6). The victory propelled Lamar to 2-2 in Southland Conference play.
"You have to be happy with the way we played in the fifth set," said head coach Alan Edwards. "To put up a 15-6 score after a long, emotional match is impressive. As the season has gone on, we have spent more time talking about being good over time - not just one play - putting pressure on a team over time. We had our moments tonight where we didn't look that good, but we always battled back.
"We are happy to be back at .500 in the Southland Conference. This is a crazy league because teams can go from the penthouse to the outhouse in a very short amount of time. We would like to have the two back that we feel like we let get away on the road, but we are 2-2 and we'll take it. The key now is to get in a good practice tomorrow and be ready for Incarnate Word on Saturday," added Edwards.
After dropping the first set, the Lady Cardinals battled back to even the match at one after recording an eight-point victory in the second set. With the score tied a 8-8, Lamar went on a run to take control of the set. The Lady Cardinals steadily built their lead taking a 16-12 advantage, and pushed it to 20-15 before closing out the match on a 5-2 run headING into the intermission all knotted up at one.
LU kept the pressure on their guests in the third set taking a 25-21 victory. It appeared Lamar was going for the knockout punch in the fourth set. After taking a 4-0 lead, the Lady Cardinals held the margin late in the set leading 23-19, but the Wildcats rallied to score the sets final six points to even the match up at 2-2.
Credit Lamar's young squad for responding immediately in the fifth set. Just like the previous set, LU jumped out of the gate to a 4-1 lead, but this time there would be no rally for Abilene Christian. The Lady Cards turned to freshman Amethyst Hollowell to slam the door shut on the Wildcats.
Hollowell finished the match with 12 kills (.360 attack percentage), including three in the final set for the win. Lamar posted a nine-point victory in the final set to pick up their second consecutive home win.
Junior Cortney Moore led the way with 16 kills, while sophomore Chelsea Grant added 13. Sophomore Autumn Taylor added 14 kills, 14 digs and two blocks in the victorious effort.
Lamar returns to action Saturday to host Incarnate Word. The match against the UIW Cardinals is slated to begin at 1 p.m. from McDonald Gym.
-LAMAR-
