THE LEAD
The DBU Volleyball team dropped a hard-fought 3-0 match to UA Fort Smith on Saturday at the Burg Center.  After dropping the first two sets by narrow scores of 25-21 and 27-25, the Lady Patriots slipped in the final set 25-13.  Carly Hess led DBU's offensive tack, registering 17 kills, while Hannah Ballew added double-digits in kills as well with 10.
 
In the first set, DBU fell behind early 6-1, but responded with an 8-3 run of their own to pull within one.  UAFS would then eventually open up a 23-18 advantage.  Following a pair of kills from Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick and Hess, the Lady Patriots drew to within three points, before UAFS closed out DBU, 25-20. 
 
In the following set, the two teams were tied 14 times and combined for six lead changes.  Down 25-24, another kill from Hess drew the Lady Patriots even.  UAFS would once again finish off DBU down the stretch, as the Lady Lions scored the next two points to finish off a 27-25 win.
 
Trailing 2-0, DBU was never able to draw closer than one-point in the third set as UAFS stormed to a 12-point victory. 
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
- DBU posted two more kills than UAFS, 40-38.
- The Lady Patriots totaled three more digs than UAFS, 70-67.
- UAFS remains unbeaten in Heartland Conference action at 11-0.         
 
DBU HEAD COACH CATHY KOKEL ON THE TEAM'S RESILIENCY
"I couldn't be more proud of this group's effort today against a team like UA Fort Smith.  Despite the year we've had and injuries that we've dealt with, our team shows up every time with a tremendous will and determination and that was on display today, especially in the first two sets."
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
.273 – Carly Hess led the Lady Patriots with a .273 hitting percentage.
23-10 – Hannah Ballew posted double-digits in digs (23) and kills (10). 
17 – Strealy Sizelove recorded her 17th match this year with 20 or more assists, as the recorded 24 assists today.
 
UP NEXT
DBU travels to Lubbock, Texas, to take on Lubbock Christian on Thursday, November 3.