BEAUMONT, Texas – Amy Hollowell had a match-high 14 digs, while Haley Morton had 31 assists, but the efforts of Lamar University's two seniors weren't enough as the Cardinals fell in straight sets to visiting Incarnate Word to put a damper on Tuesday's Senior Night celebration.
 
Tomar Thomas had a match-high 14 kills for LU (4-19 overall, 2-11 Southland), which saw its hopes for a berth in the upcoming Southland Conference Tournament come to an end.
 
LU came out on fire in the opening set, racing to a 9-4 lead, but UIW went on a 16-5 run after calling timeout to take control of the set, winning it 25-19.
 
The second set was close for most of its duration. LU trailed just 18-17 before UIW (6-14, 5-8) closed out the set on an 8-1 run for a 25-18 win to lead 2-0 in sets heading into the break.
 
LU stormed out of the locker room with a full head of steam, scoring the first four points of the third set. LU had a 14-8 lead in the third set, but couldn't sustain the momentum as UIW roared back. LU's last lead was at 19-18, but UIW wouldn't be denied, claiming a 25-22 win in the third set to keep its tournament hopes alive.
 
Murielle Hlavac and Zahria Scott had seven digs apiece for LU. Julia Monday had 10 kills for UIW, which received 10 digs from Autumn Lockley and 31 assists from Bryaunea Hall.
 
LU closes its seasons with three straight road matches starting with Sam Houston State at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. LU is at Abilene Christian at 1 p.m., Saturday before the season finale at Stephen F. Austin at noon Nov. 11.