Box Score

The DBU Lady Patriots snapped their six-match Heartland win streak, Saturday, dropping a five-set thriller to visiting University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, in a battle of the top two teams in the conference. DBU entered the match having won 7-of-8, now standing at 11-12 overall, 8-4 in league play.
 
"It was a great game today," said DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel. "We really need to work on our unforced errors, though, that is something we will definitely need to improve on leading up to conference tournament."
 
The first set started like a whirlwind for the Lady Patriots, who quickly jumped on top, 10-2. DBU remained in control for the rest of the set, cruising to a 25-15 win.
 
The Lady Lions started the second set almost identical to DBU's first, running out to a quick 9-2 lead. The Lady Patriots battled back the remainder of the frame, facing set point four times before UAFS finally pulled out the 25-23 win, evening the match at one.
 
The third set started tight, as no lead exceeded two until the Lady Lions went ahead, 11-8. Following a 6-0 UAFS run, the Lady Patriots responded with their own 7-0 run, taking a 15-13 lead. Things remained tight until DBU was able to pull away with four of the last five points, taking a 2-1 lead with a 25-21 win.
 
The Lady Patriots and Lady Lions battled back-and-forth throughout the first half of fourth set, tying as late as 15. UAFS then outscored the home club 10-5 the rest of the way, forcing a fifth set with a 25-20 win.
 
The decisive set remained tight throughout, with DBU coming back from a small deficit to tie things at 11. Following a UAFS timeout, the Lady Lions went on a 4-1 run, finishing the match with a 15-12 fifth set win.
 
Tadam Mergener turned in a career-high on the offensive end for the Lady Patriots, totaling 22 kills. Tiara Iwegbu added 15 kills, with Krystal Wunderlich earning 13, and Erika Papadeas completing the double-digit effort with 12. Tyler Bradsher earned 32 assists, with Kaycie Bird earning 25.
 
On the defensive side, Cameron Hartson fell just short of a career-high, but still led all players with 36 digs. Papadeas completed the double-double with 28 digs, a career best. Mergener also earned a double-double, registering 16 digs, with Bird adding 11. Both Papadeas and Mergener have recorded double-doubles in three straight contests.
 
"Having Tadam (Mergener) swinging made a big difference," added Kokel. "We didn't have her last time we played UAFS (3-2 loss on Sept. 21), so she helped a lot, and will only keep improving until we face them again."
 
The Lady Lions remain undefeated in Heartland play, now 12-0, improving to 16-6 overall. Michelle Walker turned in a team-best 19 kills, with Maja Krstonosic leading the way with 31 assists. Olivia Navato led five players with double-figure digs, earning 33.
 
Dallas Baptist will have to quickly regroup, turning around to play a non-conference contest with Texas Woman's University, Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Heartland play continues, Thursday, as DBU hosts Lubbock Christian at 7 p.m. at The Burg Center.