DBU (2-8, 0-0) vs. Texas A&M International (0-8, 0-0)
September 15 | 7 PM | Laredo, TX | The Kinesiology and Convocation Building
 
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THE LEAD
The Lady Patriots are back on the road as the team heads to Laredo, Texas, to see their first action versus a conference opponent in Texas A&M International. DBU will be without the benefit of a stellar home crowd that they enjoyed on Monday's doubleheader against Colorado Christian and Texas A&M Commerce. Both the Lady Patriots and TAMIU are seeking to turn their seasons around and prove that they are much more competitive than what their records show. The DBU team will be following the lead of their talented and passionate senior leaders Hannah Ballew, Carly Hess, Holly Benoit and Junior Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick who leads the team with 23 blocks. The upperclassmen for DBU have been instrumental in the development of the team's young talent and they hope that carries over to the court in conference play.
 
NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP
DBU has strong senior leadership as mentioned but they also have several underclassmen that are progressing immensely. The Lady Patriots boast stellar, young talent on their roster. Led by gifted Sophomores Madeline Dolberry and Lauren Nicks. Dolberry has been enjoying a great season statistically with a team leading 92 kills and second with 21 blocks just behind Fitzpatrick. Nicks is building off an extraordinary freshman year as her leadership continues to blossom behind Senior Hannah Ballew.
 
BALLEW IS ALL HEART
Not only does Hannah Ballew lead the Lady Patriots with 11 aces and 159 digs, she exemplifies to all those who watch volleyball what it is like to compete with all your heart each and every game. Much of what she contributes for her team goes beyond a stat sheet. Her leadership, hustle and passion for the game are an inspiration to her teammates, the fans and the sport.
 
GETTING BACK ON TRACK
After getting off to a sluggish (2-8) start, DBU looks to move forward as they continue to grow and find consistency. The Lady Patriots have been working through some growing pains that come with a young team but believe they are close to pulling things together.
 
SCOUTING TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL
TAMIU is an enticing match-up for DBU as both teams are enduring similar season as they look to find consistency. Texas A&M International is on a quest for the first match of the season as they sit at (0-8) heading into the first conference game. A player to be conscientious of on TAMIU is their senior outside hitter Alexis Villa. Villa is around the top of the list in each of the team's statistical categories. The Lady Patriots boast an (16-4) all-time record against Texas A&M International.
 
LAST TIME OUT
TAMIU outlasted DBU last time out 1-3 on their home court back in October 2015. DBU hopes to have a different result this time out.