Cardinal outside hitters attempt to block the ball against TAMUCC Lions, Sept. 23, at McDonald’s Gym. UP photo by Allyson Arnold.
BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University got out to a hot start Saturday morning to take a early 1-0 lead, but struggled down the stretch as Texas A&M-Commerce rallied to escape Beaumont with a 3-2 (20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 20-25, 15-9).
Led by 19 kills from senior Wiktoria Warpechowska, the Cardinals actually recorded more kills than their guests. Big Red notched 56 kills – with three players in double figures (Sydnee Griffen – 13 and Lyric Jordan – 11) – while hitting .165 for the contest. Big Red also recorded 10 service aces to go along with 10 blocks.
The Lions finished the day with a 54-26-164 (.171) effort from the floor with six assists and 20 blocks.
The Cardinals took a 10-0 lead in the opening set behind some dominant serving from redshirt freshman Kaeden Robinson. LU never looked back in the opening set and posted a five-point victory. In the second set, Lamar looked poised to take a 2-0 set advantage with a 23-19 lead. Unfortunately, the Lions rallied scoring the final six points to even the match.
The Lions held the momentum taking the third set to build a 2-1 lead, before Lamar would rally. In the fourth, the Cardinals would take another sizeable advantage, 14-7, midway through the set. A&M-Commerce again tried to mount a late rally but the Cardinals held them at bay to force a fifth.
While Lamar scored the first point of the fifth, the Lions rallied to score five of the next six points. Although the set remained close, Commerce managed to get a lead late and held on for the win.
The Cardinals return to action Tuesday when they host Houston Christian. The match against the Huskies will begin at 6 p.m. from McDonald Gym and will be streamed live on ESPN+
LU middle blocker Wiktoria Warpechowska spikes the ball against the TAMUCC Lions, Sept. 23, at McDonald’s Gym. UP photo by Allyson Arnold.