Box Score

Despite a season high from Erika Papadeas, the DBU Lady Patriot Volleyball Team dropped a 3-2 match at St. Edward's University, their second consecutive five-set loss. The Lady Patriots conclude their road schedule, now standing at 13-15, 10-6 in Heartland Conference play.
 
The first set started tight, as the two clubs fought back and forth, up to a tie at 12. St. Edward's (13-14, 11-5) rattled off a 4-1 run from that point, propelling the home club to a 25-19 win and a 1-0 match lead.
 
It took a late comeback for DBU to secure the second frame, forcing extra play despite facing set point. With the frame at 24-23 in favor of the Hilltoppers, the Lady Patriots scored 4-of-5 points, tying the match at one with a 27-25 win.
 
St. Edward's dominated the fourth set, taking the match lead with a 25-13 win. Showing plenty of fight, DBU battled back to force a deciding set with a 25-20 win, leading the entire way after an early tie at two.
 
With the fifth and final set tied at six, St. Edward's put together a quick 3-0 run and held the lead the remainder of the way, finishing the match with a 15-11 win.
 
"We are working on eliminating errors and saw glimpses of great execution today," said DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel. "We just need to continue to work on first ball kill."
 
Papadeas led all players with 24 kills, followed by 16 from Tiara Iwegbu. Tadam Mergener added 10 kills, with Kaycie Bird and Tyler Bradsher splitting setter duties with 26 and 20 assists, respectively.
 
Libero Cameron Hartson again led the defensive stand for DBU, earning 33 digs, also a match best. Bird turned in another solid effort, adding 23 digs. Bradsher pitched in 18 digs, with Papadeas completing the double-double with 12 digs.
 
"Kaycie (Bird) picked up everything that went her way, and that kept us fighting," added Kokel. "Erika (Papadeas) also played great!"
 
Amy Jones led four SEU players with double-figure kills, earning 19. Loren Kelly passed of 41 assists, and Mary Koehler led the Hilltoppers on the defensive end with 28 digs.
 
The Lady Patriots now return to the DBU campus for their final three regular season matches, beginning with Midwestern State, Tuesday at 7 p.m. Heartland play concludes with St. Mary's, Thursday, and Texas A&M International University, Saturday.