Box Score THE RUNDOWN
The Lady Patriots lost their final home game of the regular season to Midwestern State tonight with a score of 3-2. It was a high-energy and exciting match tonight with every set providing its own drama. Both teams put up solid hitting percentages and both finished with 26 errors total, so this was a balanced match that came down to the wire. The Lady Patriots knew it was an important match and they played like it with their offense really stepping up as they had all but two players get a kill tonight.

The two teams would split the first two sets with each other as MSU won the 1st set 25-17 then DBU winning the 2nd set 25-17. The first set stayed close early on with neither team able to get a solid lead and keep it. With the match tied at 16-16, MSU would score four points in a row to take a 20-16 lead, then after a DBU point, they would score five more in a row to win the set. The 2nd set played out similarly. Things were close early on, but with DBU leading 17-14 the Lady Patriots scored eight of the final 11 points to take the 2nd set.

MSU came out ready in the 3rd as they scored the first seven points and got up to an early 13-3 lead over DBU. The Lady Patriots would try to fight back and cut the lead down, but they couldn't find a way and MSU easily took the 3rd set 25-16. The Lady Patriots responded in the 4th and took an 8-4 lead early on, but MSU would respond. With DBU leading 12-9, MSU would score seven of the next eight points to take a 16-13 lead. DBU responded again and scored four in a row to take back the lead at 17-16. The two teams would trade points and no one could hold onto the lead. With the set tied at 25-25, Alexa Lezak would get an important kill to make it set point before Kasey Holand would get a block that got DBU the final point of the set.

With so much drama already in the match the 5th set certainly did not disappoint. MSU quickly scored the set's first three points, but the Lady Patriots would slowly cut that lead down before tying things up and taking the lead at 10-9. DBU would hold onto the lead for some time before taking a 14-12 lead. MSU wouldn't back down and they tied the score at 14-14. Kasey Holand came up with a great kill to take the lead 15-14 and make it match point, but MSU responded with two kills and a block to score three points in a row to win the set 17-15 and the match 3-2.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• It's easy to say that DBU played well, but just couldn't get it done tonight. But the Lady Patriots showed something unique tonight. With this being the final home game of the year, playing in front of one of the largest crowds on the year, they didn't quit and showed a lot of energy and determination, but also turned that into results and found success getting kills on offense and a lot of blocks on defense.
• The 3rd set was the most surprising of the match. With every other set staying close each time, it was surprising to see MSU go up 13-3 and cruise on to a set win. That was a big momentum swing for MSU going forward, knowing they could score in bunches if they need to.
• Regardless of the outcome, the Lady Patriots have to feel good with their performance going into an important conference matchup with St. Edward's on Saturday.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
3- The Lady Patriots had three players reach at least 10 kills tonight.
5- They also had five players reach at least 10 digs tonight.
5- Merci Perry has been a great setter for the team this year, but tonight she also chipped in five kills to help out the offense even further.

SENIOR NIGHT FOR DBU VOLLEYBALL
Tonight's competitive match came at the right time with tonight being the final home game of the year, as well as, being senior night for the DBU volleyball team. It looked a little different then other senior nights because this DBU team only has one senior, Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick. Sidnee Jo had this to say about what tonight meant for her, "Being a senior on this team has been such a blessing and going into tonight I was very emotional. Imagining not playing with these girls is unimaginable, they are so amazing and the incoming players are so lucky to play with them. I definitely can't believe that I just played my last home game for DBU, but like I said, finishing with this group of girls is such a blessing. I am truly honored."

Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick has had a great career with DBU volleyball as she has made an impact starting with her freshman year. Sidnee Jo had this to say about her overall time here at DBU and what it has all meant to her, "I can't even put into words how great my experience playing for DBU has been. I have made so many friendships, great memories, and every teammate I've had has made such an impact on my life. The entire athletic staff, athletic office, and all of the coaches have made such an amazing impact on my life, as well. I am so thankful for Coach Kokel and Tyler Knox. Those two have truly changed my life. In all, I am blessed and thankful."

UP NEXT
The Lady Patriots have one more regular season match this year. They will travel to Austin on Saturday to face St. Edward's for an important Heartland Conference match that will have a lot of say in who gets into the Heartland Conference Tournament.