Photo by: UIW Volleyball Instagram, @uiw_volleyball
By: Giana Casso
With early wins on the board and conference play approaching, UIW’s women’s volleyball team is on the rise. Here’s what you need to know and when to come show your support.
The UIW women’s volleyball team is off to an exciting start this season. With back-to-back wins against Abilene Christian and Missouri State, the Cardinals are building momentum early in the year. After a tough opening match against Oklahoma, the team bounced back with grit and energy, proving that they know how to rally.
The Cardinals showed major heart in a five-set thriller at Abilene Christian, pulling out a 3–2 win. That victory was followed by a 3–1 triumph over Missouri State, showing improvement in rhythm and teamwork. These early wins are a promising sign as the team gears up for a challenging stretch of away games and the start of conference play.
Several Cardinals are already shining on the stat sheet, showing just how much talent this team brings to the court. Finley Evans leads the team with 35 kills, with Kyla Malone close behind at 34, both powering the offense with consistency. Calissa Allison has been a standout all around, leading UIW with 88 assists and 42 digs, while also ranking among the team’s top contributors in service aces and blocks. Vanessa Eregie and Kade Thomas are holding it down at the net, leading in total blocks with 10 and 9, respectively. Ashton Rogers, Kitana Tuufuli, and Alex Beauchamp are also making strong contributions across the board, helping fuel the Cardinals’ early-season momentum.
If you’re a Cardinal looking to support your team, now’s the time to mark your calendar. The team is on the road through most of September, but the first home conference match is set for October 2 against Nicholls at the McDermott Center located right here on campus. That game is your chance to pack the stands and show love for the squad as they fight for a strong conference start.
Until then, keep up with the team’s schedule and results at uiwcardinals.com and on their Instagram page @uiw_volleyball. Whether you’re a lifelong volleyball fan or just looking for something fun to do on campus, showing up and cheering loud makes all the difference.
So bring the energy, wear your red and black, and come support the Cardinals. Every serve, set, and celebration counts!
