BEAUMONT, Texas – After one of their most disappointing outings of the season just 48 hours earlier, the Lamar University volleyball team bounced back with poise to defeat Southeastern Louisiana, 3-1 (25-22, 14-25, 25-23, 25-14) Thursday evening at McDonald Gym.
 
Sophomore Paige Dugan led the team with 13 kills (.286 attack percentage) and was one of three Cardinals to record double figures. Along with Amber Johnson (12 kills) and Kaitlyn Gil (10 kills), the LU trio combined to pace an offense that finished the night with a 45-12-130 effort (.254).
 
After the Cardinals took the opening set, Southeastern battled back with an impressive 11-point decision in the second set. Big Red immediately put the minor setback behind them and moved on to the third set. After dropping the first three points of that set, the Cardinals battled to eventually tie it up. The third remained close until late when the Cardinals rattled off four consecutive points to take 20-16 lead. LU then held off every charge from the Lions to take a 2-1 overall lead with a 25-23 victory in the set.
 
The third set winner was pivotal as it seemingly knocked the wind out of Southeastern. The Cardinals scored seven-straight points early in the fourth to build an 11-5 advantage. After watching their lead trimmed down to three points, the Cardinals rattled off another 7-0 run late to pick up the set and the match.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Saturday when they travel to Thibodaux, La., to take on Nicholls. The rematch against the Colonels will begin at 11 a.m. from Stopher Gym.