ABILENE, Texas - Tomar Thomas had her seventh match this season of double-digit kills and Erin Pequeno and Abigale Nash each added in over 10 digs apiece, but it wasn't quite enough for Lamar University on Thursday in the Southland Conference volleyball opener. The Cards fell to the Wildcats of Abilene Christian in three sets.

A close first set, there were 10 ties between the Cards and Wildcats, with both teams taking brief leads. Lamar led 14-13 and forced a tie at 16-16, but ACU took back the lead on the next point. Big Red twice pulled within a point, 17-18 and 19-20, but the Wildcats pulled away late to escape with a 25-21 win.

Abilene held control for most of the second set, and though Lamar held off set point three times, LU won 25-14.

Lamar pulled within two points several times in the final set but ultimately fell short, 25-19.

The Cards return to action on Sept. 22 at Sam Houston before returning home to host Incarnate Word on Sept. 25.