HAMMOND, La. – Lamar University volleyball fell in their conference opener on the road Thursday evening against Southeastern Louisiana, 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-23).
 
Lamar (8-5/0-1 SLC) finished the match 20-13-110 (.064) from the floor, but despite seven blocks by the Cardinals, seven service errors and seven reception errors cost them dearly.
 
SLU (9-4, 1-0 SLC) ended the evening with an attack rate of 24.8 percent (42-12-100). The Lions also recorded seven aces and nine blocks en route to their first conference win.
 
The Lions controlled the first set from the start as they never trailed in the frame. SLU would lead by as many 14 points with six attacking errors hurting the Cardinals.
 
The second set was a more back-and-forth affair with Lamar within two points late in the period. A late 8-1 run by the Lions, however, proved to be the difference for the home team.
 
Both teams traded points early in the third set before a 5-0 run gave the Cardinals their largest in-set lead of the night. It would not be enough, though, as the defending SLC champions stormed back and finished off the match late.
 
Lamar concludes their road trip against New Orleans on Saturday at 1 p.m. before returning to McDonald Gym for their SLC home opener against Texas A&M-Commerce next Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Both matches will be streamed on ESPN+.