HOUSTON – Again fighting back from the brink to even the match at two sets apiece, Lamar University's volleyball team was just a few points shy of victory Saturday in the final of its four-game Southland Conference road trip. The Cards fell at Houston Baptist in five sets.

Tomar Thomas had 13 kills and nine digs, coming within one dig of her third double-double of the year, and Abigale Nash poured in another nine kills and 13 digs. Kyla Rogers reset her career best with 38 assists, and Erin Pequeno had 13 digs.
 
Tied through the first 20 points, HBU jumped in front with a 5-1 run and led 15-11, only for Lamar to come back within one, 15-14. The Huskies closed the set with a 10-2 run, winning the set 25-16.
 
The second set again was extremely close, tied as late as 19-19, but another timely Houston Baptist run sealed the second set for the Huskies. HBU won seven of the final nine points for a 25-21 game win and a 2-0 match lead.
 
Tied at 14-14 in the third set, momentum finally broke the Cards' way when LU strung together a 5-0 run to lead 19-14. HBU fought back into the set but Big Red had just enough of a lead to stay in front, winning the set 25-22.
 
The fourth set belonged to Lamar almost from the opening serve – LU captured eight of the first nine points. That advantage remained through the set, and Lamar won the game 25-16 to force a fifth and decisive set.
 
The final set went HBU's way, but Lamar made it interesting in the end. LU and HBU split the final 12 points, but it was enough for the Huskies to escape with the win 15-7 in the set and 3-2 in the match.
 
Lamar returns to action next Thursday at home with Central Arkansas.