BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University got out to a sluggish start Tuesday dropping a 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-22) decision to Houston Christian at McDonald Gym. The Cardinals (0-14/0-3 Southland) settled down in the second and third sets but were unable to put together a key run late to get on the scoreboard.
 
The Cardinals finished the night 25-20-90 (.056) from the floor with their best set of the night coming in the third with 11 kills and just three errors. The Cardinals also tacked on three service aces and stopped 13 attempts at the net.
 
Big Red was led by 10 kills from redshirt freshman Taisha Rhone. She also added four digs, two assists and an ace on the night.
 
HCU (40-22-101/.178) was led by 13 kills from Sara Arroyo and 10 from Cassidy Drapela. In addition to their 40 kills as a team, the Huskies also added eight aces and 12 blocks.
 
The Huskies jumped out to an 11-4 lead and never looked back in the first set but things were much tougher in the second and third sets. In the second, the visitors took a 6-1 lead only to see the Cardinals rattled off a six-point run of its own to take a three-point lead. The set remained close but unfortunately, HCU scored three of the set's final four points for the victory.
 
In the third set, it was Big Red who jumped out on top early sporting an 11-2 lead. Midway through the set, Houston Christian went on an 8-1 run, but despite the rally the Cards stopped the bleeding while still holding a three-point advantage. Unfortunately, the Huskies would respond again a six-point run to take a three-point lead. While the Cardinals would battle back to get back in front HCU closed the match scoring six of the set's final seven points.
 
The Cardinals return to action Thursday when they travel to Natchitoches, La., to face Northwestern State. The match against the Demons will begin at 6:30 p.m. from Prather Coliseum.