BEAUMONT, Texas – Just three games into the Southland Conference season, Lamar University volleyball coach knows it's not the time to press the panic button. However, the veteran coach pressed the reset button during the team's nine-day break between matches.
 
"The break came at a good time for us," Edwards said as the Cardinals (2-11 overall, 0-3 Southland) prepared to host Stephen F. Austin at 1 p.m. Saturday in McDonald Gym. "We've been able to do some things you can't when you have a stretch of games in a short period of time."
 
Edwards is confident that the Cardinals can contend for a berth in this year's Southland Conference Tournament.
 
"We have the talent. I'm waiting for the day when it all clicks," Edwards said. "We have some matches coming up that are crucial for us."
 
Five of LU's next seven matches are at McDonald Gym, a place that Edwards believes really gives the Cardinals a home-court advantage.
 
"I love playing in McDonald Gym. It is such a great atmosphere," Edwards said. "Our fans are tremendous. It can be an intimidating place for opponents."
 
Junior Tomar Thomas leads the Cardinals in kills per set (3.11) and attack percentage (.242). Ivette Dim paces LU with 1.27 blocks per set. Amy Hollowell is averaging a team-best 2.74 digs per set, while Haley Morton has a team-leading 7.41 assists per set.
 
Stephen F. Austin (15-5, 3-1) was a 3-0 winner over visiting New Orleans on Wednesday. The Ladyjacks lead the Southland Conference with a .251 hitting percentage. Makenzee Hanna of SFA leads the Southland Conference with a .362 hitting percentage.
 
Following Saturday's match, the Cardinals remain home to host Southeastern Louisiana at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
 
TICKETS: For tickets to all LU home matches, call 409-880-1715, or CLICK HERE. Tickets are available at the Montagne Center ticket office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are available at McDonald Gym starting one hour prior to first serve. LU students receive free admission with their Cardinal One card. Junior Cardinal Club members get in for free with their membership badge.
 
PROMOTIONS: Fans attending Saturday's match will receive free T-shirts, courtesy of 5Point Credit Union, while supplies last. On Tuesday, fans will receive a free LU athletics Patagonia water bottle while supplies last.