Box Score

The DBU Lady Patriot Volleyball Team earned a spot in the Heartland Conference Tournament Final with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over St. Edward's University, Friday evening at the Stubblefield Center in Fort Smith, Ark.

The Lady Patriots (17-15) will take on top-seeded University of Arkansas-Fort Smith in the tournament final, Saturday, following the Lions' 3-0 sweep of St. Mary's University earlier Friday.

After a tight start to the first set, the Hilltoppers (14-16) pulled ahead by four at 15-11. DBU quickly countered with a 9-2 run, taking a 20-17 lead and eventually taking the frame, 25-20.

St. Edward's snatched the momentum in set two, leading throughout the second half of the frame before edging the Lady Patriots, 25-23. Fueled by an early 6-0 run, the Hilltoppers also took the third set, 25-18, taking a 2-1 set lead.

An inspired DBU club came out firing in the fourth set, jumping ahead 7-0 to open the frame. They remained in control the rest of the way, taking the fourth set, 25-17, and forcing a decisive fifth set.

"We have been practicing playing in fifth sets, and playing from behind," said DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel, whose club has now won four straight matches.

In the final frame, with DBU holding a small lead at 7-6, the Lady Patriots caught fire, taking off on an 8-0 run, completing the 15-6 win, and the 3-2 match victory.

"Before that fifth set, we met and talked about how God has prepared us throughout the season and placed us there," added an inspired Kokel. "I think right then, in that moment, we knew we were going to win."

Tiara Iwegbu, named to the All-Conference team, Friday, led three DBU players with double-figure kills, turning in 17. Erika Papadeas turned in 15 kills, with Tadam Mergener pitching in 11. Kaycie Bird and Tyler Bradsher continued to split time at setter, earning 22 and 20 assists, respectively.

The Lady Patriots turned in an outstanding defensive effort, led by 24 digs from Cameron Hartson. Hartson was named Heartland Libero of the Year earlier Friday.

Mergener and Papadeas completed double-doubles, earning 22 and 14 digs, respectively. Bird pitched in 20 digs, with Bradsher adding 14.

For St. Edward's, Amy Jones earned a match-high 18 kills, with 29 assists coming from Loren Kelly. Kelly Jimenez led four players with double-figure digs, earning a match-best 29 digs.