EDINBURG, Texas – Lamar University started strong but came up just short in the opening set only to see UT Rio Grande Valley pull away late for a 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-9) victory at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. The loss drops LU to 4-20 overall and 0-10 in WAC matches.
 
The Cardinals finished the match 23-of-88 with 18 errors for an .057 attack percentage. LU also did a lot of damage at the net recording 14 blocks, led by freshman Grace Nichols' match-high four. Unfortunately, the Cardinals were whistled for four block and service errors.
 
The Vaqueros (39-13-86) started slow hitting less than .200 in the opening set, but only got stronger as the match went on closing the day with a 9-1-20 (.400) performance in the third set. Sarah Cruz led the way 14 kills on 28 swings for the Vaqueros.
 
Big Red returns home looking to lock up a spot in the 2021 WAC Championship tournament in their final two home matches of the season. The Cardinals will open up the two-match homestand with a Thursday contest against Abilene Christian. The match against ACU will begin at 6:30 p.m. from McDonald Gym.