Box Score

Competing at the NCAA South Central Regional, Thursday, the DBU Lady Patriot Volleyball dropped a 3-0 decision to host-West Texas A&M University. The loss concludes the DBU season, with the Lady Patriots finishing 18-16, making their first regional appearance since 2009.
 
"We came into this match knowing we were huge under dogs," said DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel. "Our game plan was ball control and defense, but our errors got to us. When you play an aggressive front row team like West Texas, you can't make those errors."
 
The first set started tight, with West Texas extending a small lead to 10-6. DBU ran off a 7-0 run from that point, taking the lead at 13-10. Later in the set, with the Lady Buffs ahead 21-17, Kokel called a timeout, sparking a 7-1 Lady Patriot run and set point. West Texas fought off multiple set points, however, scoring the final four points to take the frame, 26-24.
 
"It was a mental thing," said setter Tyler Bradsher about losing the lead in the first set. "We got too relaxed and then realized who we're playing; I think that was a mistake."
 
The Lady Buffs carried the momentum of the comeback into the second set, quickly jumping on top, 4-0. The home club held the lead the rest of the way, taking the set with a 25-8 win. The Lady Patriots played a tighter third set, trading shots with WT to the end, however it was not enough as the Lady Buffs finished the match with a 25-20 third set win.
 
Senior Cameron Hartson once again anchored the DBU defense, earning a match-high 20 digs. Fellow senior Bradsher turned in 10 digs, adding a team-high 15 assists on the offensive end. Tadam Mergener led the attack, earning nine kills, followed closely by eight from Tiara Iwegbu, who pitched in three blocks at the net.
 
"There was a lot of good volleyball on our side, but it's hard to see sometimes when you play a powerhouse," added Kokel. "But we'll be back next year and we're going to take care of business. Not a lot of people here know us, and we're going to change that."
 
West Texas A&M advances to the semifinal round, now at 32-3 following their 26^th consecutive win. Laura Iwuchukwu led the attack with 11 kills, hitting at a .381 clip. Kameryn Hayes earned a match-high 29 assists, with Lauren Britten leading three players in double-digit digs, earning 19.
 
Bradsher and Hartson are joined by fellow seniors Kendall Sepanek and Taylor Jones, concluding their careers with Thursday's match. "I'm proud of them and happy for them that they got this far," said Kokel in conclusion. "Having four seniors who lead and a team that follows is the reason we made it to this point."