The Dallas Baptist University Lady Patriots came to the gym Thursday night prepared to play. They rallied past the Rattlers from St. Mary's University to improve their Heartland Conference record to 9-4.

The Lady Patriots took over the lead early and never backed off, taking the match in three straight sets 25-19, 25-20, and 25-22. Junior Vickie Mundell for the Lady Patriots showed her composure throughout the game giving her team 29 total assists, 11 defensive digs, and 4 kills.

Rattler's Sarah Moreno (10 kills) and Kori McCarver kept St. Mary's hopes alive with good offensive performances, but they were not enough to hold down the strong defensive line of the Lady Patriots. DBU Junior Amanda Emmert headed up all players Thursday night with a game high 16 defensive digs.

On Senior Night, one of DBU's very own Senior outside hitter Lauren Secord recorded a team high 9 total kills to help finish off the Rattlers.

Other Notable Lady Patriots: Freshman Kaylyn Frink (7 kills, 10 defensive digs), Senior Jessica Nix (4 kills), Senior Michele Villareal (4 defensive digs), Senior Madlyn Craven (2 kills, 1 assist)

Heartland Conference action continues in Dallas, Texas, Saturday afternoon as the Lady Patriots host the Cardinals from the University of the Incarnate Word at 2:00 p.m. in Burg Center.