THE RUNDOWN
The DBU Volleyball team earned their first home win of the 2014 season after defeating the University of Texas-Permian Basin Falcons in a thrilling five set series, 3-2. Many Lady Patriots put up match high numbers with Tiara Gipson registering 22 kills, Kaycie Bird pouring in 66 assists and Tadam Mergener contributing 47 digs.   

The first set between the Falcons (3-5, 3-2) and Lady Patriots (4-4, 2-2) turned out to be very exciting with each team trading leads throughout the set. With the score tied up at 22, DBU would go on to score the final three points and end the set 25-22, taking a 1-0 lead in the match. In the second set despite the Lady Patriots jumping out to a 6-0 lead, the Falcons would gain control of the set and put together multiple runs to edge DBU 25-23 to tie up the match.  

The third set would go on to be very close for both teams as neither was able to gain more than a two point lead in the early goings, until DBU was able to go on a 4-1 run late to end the set 25-21. In the fourth set with their backs against the wall UTPB would tie up the match 2-2 by winning the set 25-23.

After four hard fought sets the Lady Patriots would have total control in the fifth, finishing off the Falcons 15-10, to get their first win at the Burg Center this year.
 
COACH'S QUOTE
"Tadam's defense was unbelievable. I've never had a libero that could get that many digs per set. That was huge, defense wins. Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick and Carly Hess hit for .293 and .382 (respectively) and for two young girls that's hard to beat and then of course we have Tiara as our powerhouse."– Coach Cathy Kokel
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
4     Number of Lady Patriots who registered double digit kills (Gipson, Fitzpatrick 18, Hess 16, Wunderlich 11).
72   Number of assists registered by DBU.
12   Block assists totaled by the Lady Patriots.  
103 Number of digs registered by DBU.
20   Total lead changes during the match.

WHAT'S NEXT
DBU's next match will be at home this Saturday, September 20, as they continue Heartland Conference play against the Lubbock Christian University Lady Chaps. First serve is set for noon.