BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University dropped its final home match of the season Thursday evening falling to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 3-1 (29-27, 27-29, 25-18, 25-21), at McDonald Gym.
 
Sophomore Paige Dugan led an offense that recorded a .221 attack percentage (49-20-131). Backed up by senior, Amber Johnson's 11 kills, the Cardinals put up a tough fight against the Islanders who entered the night just one match out of first place. The first two sets were mirror images of each – both closely contested sets, neither team able to put together long sustained runs and both sets going into extended play. A&M-Corpus Christ took the first set by a 29-27 decision while the Cardinals answered back in the second by the same score.
 
Despite being outhit in the second set, the Cardinals managed to battle back from a three-point deficit late to pull in front and not surrender the set tying the match.
 
Unfortunately, the Cardinals were unable to hold the moment in the third as A&M-Corpus Christi took back the lead with a 25-18 decision. The fourth set was another close tilt, but unfortunately for the ladies in Red their attempts at the net simply wouldn't fall. The Cardinals closed the match with a .111 performance in the fourth and final set.
 
Senior Giselle Santini returned from injury to record 15 digs and four service aces, while London Hatch led LU with 44 assists and two aces.
 
The Cardinals will close out the regular season in Lake Charles Saturday with the annual Battle of the Border. The rivalry match is slated to get under way at 1 p.m.