BEAUMONT, Texas- The Lamar University volleyball team (1-13, SLC 1-8) honored seniors Bre'Ala Box and Kayla Neumann Saturday morning. However, Saturday's match up from the Montagne Center against Houston Baptist (8-8, Conf 7-3) proved to be a disappointing final home result for the Cardinals this season. 

The Huskies travelled to the oil rich fields of Beaumont tied for third place in the Southland Conference volleyball standings and they proved why they are a force to be reckoned with this season. 

The Huskies came out with clear intent in the first set, etching a 25-12 decision. The Huskies recorded 15 kills in the first set and Houston Baptist success was in thanks to Mikayla Vivens who recorded 6 kills. The Cardinals could only muster 8 kills in the opening frame, with Abigale Nash recording half of Big Red's kills. 

The Cardinals rallied in the second set and etched an early lead; however, this was quickly reeled in by the Huskies. Big Red improved greatly in the second set with their hitting percentage increasing by nearly 30% from the first set (first set – 37 percent, second set -  60 percent). The two teams jostled for control of the second set, but it was the Huskies who came out on top on vital points to take the second set, 25-20. 

Channelling the momentum through their paws, the Huskies made quick work of the third set, sweeping to a 25-9 decision. Bolstered by a 70 percent hitting percentage and 11 kills, the Huskies made it a tough defeat for the Cardinals. Big Red dropped to a 25% hitting percentage in the third set, which proved to be a pivotal statistic in the third set slide.

Jordan Lay's Cardinals will hit the road for their final two conference games of the season. Facing off against the University of the Incarnate Word (4-8, 4-6 SLC) on Mar. 25 at 6 PM and will close out their 2020-21 campaign against Texas A&M - Corpus Christi on Mar. 27 with play due to begin at 1 PM.

#WeAreLU