THE LEAD
The Lady Patriots traveled to Austin to face conference opponent St. Edwards and the result was an exciting, competitive volleyball game that fell in favor of St. Edwards in the win column. Strealy Sizelove continued her impressive freshman season for DBU as she led the team with 23 assists and 2 service aces. Alexa Lezak put together a fantastic performance for the Lady Patriots as she tallied 14 kills. While Lauren Nicks also shined for DBU by leading the team with 23 digs and 3 assists.
 
During the first set, StEU jumped out to a quick 2-6 lead until DBU rallied back with three straight points to cut the deficit 5-6. The set was the tied back up at 10 apiece. St. Edwards scored the next four points as DBU fought from behind again to make it a one-point game at 14-15. With a four-point run of their own, the Lady Patriots were able to gain the lead at 18-17. However, DBU's offense stagnated and St. Edwards stole the first set 22-25.
 
The second set started just like the first, StEU got out to a 2-6 lead and DBU fought back to stay in the set. The set was tied back up at 13 behind the serves of Strealy Sizelove. St. Edwards then scored five straight, which lead to a Lady Patriot timeout. The timeout was effective as DBU came back to the tie the game at 19 apiece and even took the lead 22-20. The set was tied once more at 24 in this nail-biter.  ST. Edwards however, was the team left standing at the finish line with a 24-26 win.
 
The third set was all DBU after StEU scored the first four points. With three different five-point runs for the Lady Patriots, DBU was able to roar to a 25-13 match saving victory.
 
The fourth set started a little differently, the Lady Patriots got out to a quick 6-2 lead. DBU led by as much as five points in this set but StEU was able to tie it back up at 15-15. The set was tied up six more times to leave the score 21-21 for what promised to be an exciting finish. St. Edwards scored four of next six points to steal the set and match at a 23-15 score.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
.098 – Hitting percentage recorded by DBU
10 – Blocks by both teams
56 – Kills by StEU compared to DBU's 44
96 – Digs by StEU compared to DBU's 92
 
COACH KOKEL ON CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS
"The girls played with more confidence and better defense. If we can cut down on our errors we will become the team we need to be."
 
WHAT'S NEXT
The Lady Patriots begin a 5-game home stretch next Tuesday at 6 PM against Southeastern Oklahoma State. Come on out to the Burg Center to show DBU your support.