Box Score

On Senior Day at the Burg Center, the Dallas Baptist Volleyball Team (16-15, 12-6) recorded a 3-0 win over Texas A&M International (3-25, 2-16).  DBU entered the day in a tie with St. Edward's for 2^nd place in the Heartland Conference standings, but hold the tie-breaker edge over the Hilltoppers.  With the win, the Lady Patriots secure the No. 2 seed at the Heartland Conference Tournament next Saturday in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

Prior to today's match, DBU honored the five senior members of the 2013 Lady Patriot Volleyball Team.  Senior team members, Tyler Bradsher, Cameron Hartson, Taylor Jones, Kendall Sepanek, and the squad's Student Manager, Lauren Pavloske, were all honored for their contributions to the program.

In the first set of action, DBU held a narrow 9-8 advantage before rattling-off five consecutive points and forcing a TAMI timeout.  Right out of the timeout, DBU freshman , Carly Hess, delivered a block at the net to push the Lady Patriot lead to seven at 15-8.  After extending the lead to 18-9, TAMI put together a five-point run to close the gap to 18-14.  The Dustdevils eventually tied the set at 20 before DBU went on to score five of the last six points to close out a 25-21 first set victory.

The Lady Patriots exploded out of the gate in the second set, taking a 5-0 lead before TAMI could get on the board.  DBU remained in complete control, as they opened-up a 10-2 advantage and forced a Dustdevil timeout.  TAMI rallied to score seven of the next ten points to cut the DBU lead to 13-10.  That is when junior, Krystal Wunderlich, took over, scoring four of the next six DBU points.  The Lady Patriots would capitalize on the momentum, closing out TAMI 25-14.

In the third and final set, DBU continued their dominance.  Tied at three in the early going, the Lady Patriots seized control with a 14-5 advantage.  The Dustdevils would come as close as five at 17-12, before DBU closed out the match taking eight of the final 15 points, winning 25-19.

The Lady Patriots were led by seniors Cameron Hartson, who recorded 24 digs and Tyler Bradsher, who paced the way in the assist column with 15.  "This group of seniors is so special to me," Head Coach Cathy Kokel said.  "All four of them are tremendous leaders on our team and while we'll have to replace their positions in the future, I don't know that we'll ever replace the type of people they are on and off the floor."

Junior, Erika Papadeas, also poured in a huge day with 19 digs and nine kills.  Fellow junior, Tiara Iwegbu, made her mark at the net with six blocks.

"This group is playing with one ultimate goal right now and that's to play for each other," Kokel said.  "That attitude has really allowed them to take the pressure off and play with no regrets."

With the victory, DBU has now posted three consecutive 3-0 shutouts for the first time since October 17-20, 2009.  Interestingly, the Lady Patriots' three straight shutout wins to close out the 2013 regular season, came over the same three opponents in 2009 (Midwestern State, St. Mary's, and Texas A&M International).  The 2009 squad went on to record a fourth straight 3-0 shutout with a victory over St. Edward's.  DBU is scheduled to meet St. Edward's on Saturday in the Heartland Conference Tournament.