LAKE CHARLES, La. – Freshman Christina Dauster led Lamar University with eight kills (8-1-12) and hit nearly 60 percent from the floor, but the Cardinals struggled to find their rhythm Thursday night falling to McNeese, 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-11).
 
Dauster was joined by classmate Gracie Cassidy who was 5-0-10 (.500) on her attempts, but Big Red struggled to find consistency. While LU hit .083 (26-17-109), the Cowgirls caught fire early and never cooled off. McNeese finished the night 45-10-104 (.337). McNeese also found an advantage on the serve with seven aces to one for Lamar.
 
The blocking was even as both teams finished the night with seven (McNeese had one solo block while LU had three).
 
The first set was close until McNeese built a small cushion late and held on for the set. The second set started off with Lamar taking an early lead but the Cowgirls rallied midway through the set. The homestanding Cowgirls raced to a nine-point lead and never looked back putting the match away in the third.
 
The Cardinals return action Saturday when they travel to Thibodaux, La., to face Nicholls. The match against Colonels will begin at 11 a.m.