LAS VEGAS, Nev. – It was another tough outing for the Lamar University volleyball team (0-9) Thursday as they traveled to Las Vegas, Nev. to face Portland in the opening round of the UNLV Classic. The Pilots jumped out to an early lead in the first set and never looked back defeating the Cards, 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-23).
 
Despite the score, the match was closer than the final tally indicated as the Cardinals had their chances in the second and third sets before Portland escaped with the advantage.
 
The Cardinals got out to one of their best starts attacking the ball recording a .246 attack percentage midway through the third but had no answer for a Pilots' squad that ended the night 47-12-100 (.350) from the floor with nine blocks and seven service aces. Big Red ended the day with a 32-14-86 (.209) effort including 10 blocks and seven aces. 
 
The Cardinals' offense was led by Lyric Jordan's 11 kills on 32 swings for a .250 attack percentage.
 
The third set mimicked the second, as the Cardinals kept things close trailing by just a point 11 serves into the frame. Even after a short run by Portland to extend its lead to five the Cardinals responded to tie the match at 10. Grabbing a one-point lead, 13-12, midway through the set, the Cardinals never allowed Portland to snag more than a two-point lead the rest of the match.
 
The Red and White pulled even at 23 and had a chance serving late but the Pilots rallied for the final two points to take the set and the match.
 
The Cardinals return to action Friday when they face Coppin State. The match against CSU will begin at 3 p.m. (5 p.m. Central) from Cox Pavilion.