BEAUMONT, Texas – After being forced to postpone their last match, the Lamar University volleyball team prepares for one of its toughest stretches of the season opening a two-match road swing to Stephen F. Austin and Abilene Christian.
 
The Cardinals (0-6/0-1 SLC) will kick things off Thursday when they travel to Stephen F. Austin to take on the Lumberjacks. The preseason favorite to win the regular season title, SFA is currently one of four teams undefeated at the top of the league standings (McNeese, SFA, New Orleans and Central Arkansas).
 
The 'Jacks took full advantage of the opportunity to play some limited non-conference matches during the fall semester and enter the week with a 14-4 (.778) overall record. SFA has played 18 matches already this season, which is 11 more than any other team in the league. SFA has won four straight and seven of the previous nine.
 
Thursday's match will begin at 6:30 p.m. from Shelton Gym, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
Following the match with SFA, the Cardinals make the long trek to Abilene, Texas, Saturday to face Abilene Christian. The Wildcats are 2-2 (.500) on the season and have split their first two conference matches of the year, currently sitting in a three-way tie for fifth in the league standings. ACU opened league play with a 3-2 decision over UIW but is coming off a 3-1 setback at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Wildcats will host McNeese Thursday before taking on LU.
 
The match against the Cardinals will begin at 1 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.