Box Score

Competing in the sixth of a seven-match road trip, the DBU Lady Patriot Volleyball Team dropped a 3-0 contest to University of Texas-Permian Basin (4-8, 3-1 Heartland), Thursday in Odessa. Dallas Baptist drops to 4-9 on the season, having lost their last two Heartland Conference matches to stand at 2-2.

Aided by an early 5-0 run, the Falcons led the majority of the first set, cruising to a 25-18 win. The second frame played extremely tight, with no lead reaching more than three, with UTPB eventually squeezing past the Lady Patriots, 25-23.

The two clubs battled back-and-forth through the third set. UTPB appeared to be pulling away at 19-15, when DBU Head Coach Cathy Kokel called a timeout, sparking a 4-0 run to tie the set at 19. The comeback was not enough, however, as the Falcons scored back-to-back points with the frame tied at 23, securing the 25-23 set win and a 3-0 match win.

Tiara Iwegbu turned in an outstanding performance for Dallas Baptist, earning a match-high 17 kills and hitting a solid .419. Kaycie Bird tied for the match-high with 19 assists, with Tyler Bradsher close behind with 18.

"Tiara is such a powerhouse," stressed Kokel following the match. "When all of our hitters can start keeping it in bounds, we will start seeing wins."

Cameron Hartson turned in 25 digs, also a match-best, with Bird adding 13 to pitch in on the defensive end. Iwegbu and Erika Papadeas each earned a pair of blocks.

"I want to continue to praise Cameron and her defense, as well, she has been outstanding," added Kokel.

Melissa Lusk led a balanced UTBP attack with 12 kills. Ariel Fralick and Ariana Gallardo split the setting duties, turning in 19 and 17 assists, respectively. Jordan McDonald served as the anchor of the Falcon defense, earning a team-high 18 digs. Terra Peil and Lusk were strong at the net, combining for 15 total blocks.

The final match of the current road trip will be played, Saturday at noon, another Heartland Conference contest against Lubbock Christian University. The Lady Patriots return for a single home match, Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. against St. Edward's University.