BEAUMONT, Texas – The final week of the season could provide plenty of drama as the Lamar University volleyball team hits the road for a Louisiana two-step against Southeastern Louisiana (Thursday) and New Orleans (Saturday) to end the year.
 
The season has been a long one for the youthful Cardinals (2-25/2-14 SLC) who boast a roster featuring 11 freshmen players, but the team looks to finish the season strong as they sit within striking distance of a trip to the conference tournament.
 
Lamar is currently tied for ninth in the standings with Nicholls and sit two wins back of New Orleans. The Cardinals must win their final two matches and have the Privateers lose out to secure the eighth seed.
 
Southeastern currently sits atop the conference standings and are the winners of 18 consecutive matches. The Lions (24-4/15-1 SLC) could clinch at least a share of the regular season title with a win over the Cardinals on Thursday night.
 
Lamar boasts a lead in the all-time series with the Lions, 30-13, but is looking for its first win on the road in this contest since 2017.
 
Saturday sees the Cardinals travel to New Orleans in what could be the deciding match for the last spot in the conference tournament. The Privateers (6-21/4-12 SLC) have won two of their last four matches and could book their ticket two days prior to this game if they take care business at Nicholls on Thursday night.
 
The all-time series is in favor of the Cardinals, 30-21, including three of the last five in this matchup. Lamar looks to score a road win in New Orleans for the first time since 2016 and avenge a three-set defeat earlier this season.
 
Thursday's match against Southeastern Louisiana will start at 6:30 p.m. while Saturday's contest against New Orleans will begin at 11 a.m. Both matches can be streamed on ESPN+.