Box Score

Returning for their first home match in almost three weeks, Thursday, the Dallas Baptist Lady Patriot Volleyball Team earned a 3-0 win over St. Edwards University on Dig Pink! Night at The Burg Center. DBU improves to 5-10 on the year, now 3-3 in Heartland play. The Hilltoppers drop to 5-9, also 3-3 in conference play.
 
The Side-Out Foundation hosts Dig Pink! Events across the nation to educate others about breast cancer and to raise funds to support research in the fight against the disease. For more information on Dig Pink!, visit www.side-out.org.
 
In Thursday's match, DBU was in control the majority of the first set, including an 8-1 run en route to a 25-16 win and a 1-0 set lead. The second frame was much of the same, though it played tighter, with the Lady Patriots taking a 2-0 set lead, 25-17.
 
Dallas Baptist carried a small advantage throughout the majority of the third set, before SEU climbed back to tie the set at 22. The squad's tied again at 24, before DBU earned the final two points, taking the 26-24 win to complete the 3-0 sweep. The win snaps a seven-match skid for the Lady Patriots.
 
"Tonight really showed this team's character," said DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel. "Having lost seven in a row, the girls showed up Monday ready to work and this win was the result. I hope this gets us over the hump."
 
Tiara Iwegbu and Erika Papadeas led the offensive attack, earning 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Kaycie Bird earned a match-high 21 assists, with Tyler Bradsher adding 17.
 
Bird led an outstanding defensive effort with 18 digs, also a match-best. Erika Papadeas completed a double-double with 16 digs, followed by 15 from Cameron Hartson and 10 from Tadam Mergener. Papadeas, Iwegbu, and Krystal Wunderlich each added three blocks.
 
"We made a lineup change, putting Krystal (Wunderlich) in the middle, and it made a huge difference," added Kokel. "We have been working on playing quicker and our offense really came to life tonight."
 
For St. Edward's, Mary Koehler earned a match-high 17 kills, with 16 assists coming from Amy Jones. Koehler and Kelly Jimenez each added 15 digs in the loss.
 
The Lady Patriots' stay at home was brief, as the club will once again hit the road, traveling to their next three matches, starting with a match, Saturday at noon at McMurry. The next home match will be played Tuesday, Oct. 15 against Tarleton at 7 p.m.