THE RUNDOWN
The DBU Volleyball team were unable to get their first home win of the season as they were swept by the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Lady Lions. This drops the Lady Patriots to 1-3 for the season and 1-2 in Heartland Conference play. Brooke Manley led the Lady Patriots in kills with 12.

The first set was relatively close between DBU and UAFS in the early goings as both teams kept the game tight with the lead not growing larger than two points. With the Lady Lions down 16-15 this would change as they would go on a 10 point run to close the set 25-16. To begin the second set UA Fort Smith jumped out to a 3-1 lead and controlled the match. While DBU was able to make a five point run and grab the lead later in the set it was not enough as UAFS closed the set 25-18.

On the verge of being swept at home for the first time this season the Lady Patriots battled the Lady Lions in a thrilling third set. DBU had UAFS on the ropes with the score 25-24, but were unable to execute as the Lady Lions rattled off three straight points to end the set 27-25 and close the match. Michelle Walker had a match high 13 kills for UAFS and Bailey Katzfey had a match high 39 assists.
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"The girls are not doing bad. The problem is we're just trying to find our rhythm, where people need to be and who needs to be in what position. Freshmen Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick and Brooke Manley stepped up to the plate and played fantastic. Krystal Wunderlich and Tiara Gipson are continuing to be a force to be reckoned with." – Coach Cathy Kokel
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
3     The number of Lady Patriots that registered double digit kills during the match (Manley 12, Gipson 11, Wunderlich 10).
2      Number of digs that separated DBU (78) and UAFS (80).
8      Number of blocks registered by UA Fort Smith.
45    Number of assists registered by UA Fort Smith.
.375 Match high hitting percentage by Tiara Gipson.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
DBU heads out to Commerce, TX this weekend to compete in the A&M-Commerce Classic hosted by Texas A&M-Commerce. From September 12-13, the Lady Patriots will face a trio of opponents including the Colorado School of Mines, Southern Arkansas and the Lady Lions of TAMUC. The first game for DBU is on September 12 at 1pm versus the Colorado School of Mines.