BEAUMONT, Texas — For the first time since 2019, the Lamar volleyball team finished undefeated at its own tournament.

It didn't come easy as the Cardinals fought hard to sweep Abilene Christian, 25-23, 25-19, 25-21, on Saturday afternoon at McDonald Gym.

Gabby Baker was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player while Maja Malinowska and Kinley Elms also earned a spot on the team.

"The fact that we have everybody available and ready to go is the best thing that could have happened this weekend besides, of course, the winning," said head coach Ariel Apolinario. "I thought our preparation was solid. We knew coming in that if we win the serve and pass battle, we have a good chance."

LU began the opening set on a 3-0 run.

Taisha Rhone later tallied a kill to spark another 3-0 run to extend LU's lead to five.

Hailey McEllrath served up an ace to give the Cardinals a six-point lead.

Elms highlighted a 4-0 run with back-to-back kills while Alexa Gonzalez added a service ace and Malinowska had a kill to make the score 16-8.

The Cardinals were one point away from getting out of the set, but Abilene Christian scored seven unanswered points to cut the deficit to one.

Ultimately, a service error by the Wildcats ended their run allowing the Cardinals to take a 1-0 lead.

LU led 6-3 early in the second set before the score was tied three times.

The Cardinals ended up pulling away by putting together a 7-0 run that had two kills from Sydnee Griffen and a service ace from Keeley Nellis.

LU used a 5-0 run to pull ahead to an eight-point lead.

This time around the Cardinals were able to hold off a big run by Abilene Christian as they held on to take the set.

LU started the third set off with a bang, going on a 7-0 as Malinowska served up back-to-back aces. She had three during the run including a kill.

Abilene Christian managed to cut the deficit down to one point late in the set, but the Cardinals didn't give in.

Elms notched the final two kills to complete the sweep.

"We did some nice things at different times throughout the whole match," added Apolinario. "I was very pleased not only for the outcome, but I thought that in terms of doing the little things we stayed solid and disciplined.

"I think we're ready to take that next step in preparation for conference."

MATCH NOTES

• Elms led the offense with 13 kills and three total blocks.
• Rhone had nine kills.
• Malinowska finished with eight kills, three service aces, two block assists and 12 digs.
• Gonzalez tallied 18 assists, two service aces and eight digs.
• Jo Moffitt added 11 assists and 10 digs.
• The Cardinals finished with 14 total blocks. McEllrath had four total blocks while Daniella Udegbunam had three block assists.
• Udegbunam finished with 25 total blocks for the weekend.
• Baker tallied 13 digs.
• The Cardinals have gone 31-17 when hosting a tournament.
• LU's last win over Abilene Christian came in 2019. The Wildcats had won the last four meetings.

UP NEXT

The Cardinals travel to Edinburg to open Southland Conference play against UTRGV at 12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24.