Box Score

Opening both their home and Heartland Conference schedules, the Dallas Baptist Lady Patriot Volleyball Team cruised past visiting Newman University, 3-0, Thursday evening at The Burg Center.

DBU has now won three straight matches to move to 3-3 on the season, 1-0 in Heartland play. The Jets drop to 2-3 overall, 0-1 in conference play. DBU continues their short home stand, Saturday at noon, taking on Oklahoma Panhandle State University to continue Heartland Conference play.  

The two squads battled evenly to start the first set of Thursday's match, trading leads and ties until 10. DBU took control late, however, finishing on a 12-4 run to take the set comfortably, 25-16.

The Lady Patriots carried the momentum into the second set, opening 3-0 and rattling off a 6-0 soon after. Not to be outdone, Newman collected their own 6-0 run, and the set eventually tied as late as 14. DBU once again showed resilience late, closing the set at 11-3 for a final of 25-17.

The third set saw Dallas Baptist in control most of the way, as the home club carried a comfortable lead to a 25-16 win and the 3-0 match sweep.

"Our whole team did their job tonight," said Head Coach Cathy Kokel. "Regardless of their role, every one who came in did a great job, it was a solid team effort."

Tiara Iwegbu led the offensive attack with a match-high 12 kills, followed by seven from Erika Papadeas. Krystal Wunderlich and Markayla Benoit each pitched in six.

Tyler Bradsher and Kaycie Bird once again shared the setting duties, totaling 18 and 17, respectively. Cameron Hartson earned a match-high 19 digs, with Tadam Mergener adding nine.

"Our libero (Hartson) and our setters (Bradsher and Bird) were great again tonight," added Kokel. "They are our captains and are showing it, really leading the team well."

For Newman, Shelby Zoglman and Ashley Gonzalez tied for a team-high six kills. Libero Tori Alderson earned 10 digs, with Alexus Litts pitching in 21 assists.  

After Saturday's home contest, the Lady Patriots take to the road for the remainder of September, including next weekend's tournament at Arkansas-Fort Smith.