Box Score

Behind a career-high from Cameron Hartson and a thrilling first set comeback, the DBU Lady Patriot Volleyball Team earned a 3-1 win over visiting University of Texas-Permian Basin, Saturday afternoon at The Burg Center.
 
DBU wins their second consecutive match, now 13-13 overall, improving to 10-4 in Heartland Conference play. They avenge a loss at UTPB, back on Sept. 26, with the Falcons now at 10-17, 7-8 in league play.

"Things are really coming together and these girls have a lot of fight in them," said DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel. "They are working hard and I am proud of them."
 
The visitors controlled the majority of the first set, leading by as many as five at 20-15. Kokel then took a timeout, prompting a 5-0 DBU run, tying the set at 20. With UTPB leading 23-21, DBU called another timeout, this time sparking a 4-0 run and a 25-23 first frame win.
 
The Falcons responded quickly in the second set, running out to a 7-0 lead to start the frame. DBU did their best to mount another comeback attempt, rattling off a 6-1 run while trailing 17-9, but it was not enough as UTPB pulled away for a 25-18 win, tying the match at one.
 
The third set saw DBU regain their match lead, 2-1. After opening the set on a 5-1 run, the Lady Patriots were in control the rest of the way, leading by as many as 10 before eventually taking the set, 25-16.
 
The Falcons countered with a quick start in set four, jumping out to an early 8-2 lead. DBU quickly countered with a 7-0 run, taking a 9-8 lead. Things remained tight the rest of the way, tied as late as 22, before 3-1 DBU run gave the Lady Patriots a 25-23 win and a 3-1 match victory.
 
"Permian Basin really picked up their defense at the end, but we were able to match it and put down some key blocks and kills," added the DBU Coach.

Tadam Mergener led the offensive attack for the Lady Patriots, earning a match-high 14 kills. Erika Papadeas and Tiara Iwegbu were close behind with 13 kills, with Tyler Bradsher and Kaycie Bird splitting time at setter with 24 and 20 assists, respectively.
 
Hartson's 45 digs were a match high, breaking her career-high total of 39, set this past Thursday against Lubbock Christian. Bird added 13 digs, with Mergener completing the double-double, also with 13. Papadeas concluded the double-digit effort, completing her double-double with 11 digs.
 
The Lady Patriots were outstanding on the net, as well, with Krystal Wunderlich earning a team-high five blocks. Iwegbu added four blocks, with three each coming from Carly Hess and Markayla Benoit.
 
"Cameron (Hartson) is taking our defense to a new level," raved Kokel. "Krystal (Wunderlich) is leading the front row blocking and putting a lot of pressure at the net."

For the Falcons, Melissa Lusk led the club with 13 kills, followed by 10 each from Morgann Davis and Ryley Carman. Ariel Fralick passed off 24 assists, with 29 digs coming from Libero Taylor Harmon.
 
DBU is now 2-2 on the current five-game home stand. The Lady Patriots conclude the stretch, Thursday, hosting McMurry University for a 7 p.m. Heartland Conference contest.