BEAUMONT, Texas – Sophomore Paige Dugan and senior Kaitlyn Gil recorded a team-high 14 kills to lead Lamar University to a dominant 3-1 (25-15, 25-15, 20-25, 25-18) victory over Texas A&M-Commerce Thursday evening at McDonald Gym.
 
In addition to Dugan and Gil, junior Amber Johnson tacked on 12 kills as LU finished the night with 55 kills as a team on 128 swings with just 20 errors (.273 attack percentage). In addition to Big Red's efficiency on the attack, the Cardinals also recorded 14 service aces and 12 blocks.
 
The Cardinals held their guests to a .150 attack percentage allowing just 35 kills with 18 errors on 113 swings. The Lions were also hurt by four service errors and five block errors.
 
The Cardinals' defense was just as impressive as their effort on the offensive side of the court. Both junior Giselle Santini and Grace Luevanos each recorded 12 digs no allowing the Lions a clear look at the floor.
 
The Cardinals jumped out to huge early leads in sets one and two and rode those leads to set victories to take 2-0 match lead. A&M-Commerce had an answer jumping out to a 10-2 lead but the Cardinals came storming back to take a one-point lead. Unfortunately, the Lions scored the set's final seven points to trim the Cardinals' lead.
 
LU quickly shut down any thoughts of a rally when they restored order in the fourth and final set. Big Red scored the set's first three points and never allowed the Lions take gain control.
 
Winners in two of their last three matches, the Cardinals will look to make it two in a row Saturday when they travel to Northwestern State. The match against the Demons is slated to begin at 6 p.m. from Prather Coliseum.