THE RUNDOWN
The Lady Patriots played their second game in the South Central Classic tournament against the Ouachita Baptist Lady Tigers, and were able to take them to 5 sets but couldn't get the win. Despite the loss, the Lady Patriots have to be proud of how they played against a team that won their conference championship last year and were picked to finish second in the Great American Conference this year. 5-set games always provide plenty of excitement and this game did not disappoint.
 
The first set definitely was the best for the Lady Patriots. The game started with each team trading points with each other, but then DBU found some momentum and didn't let up. With DBU already leading 8-5 in the set they were able to score 8 out of the next 9 points, taking a commanding 16-6 lead. From there they were able to take the first set 25-16.
 
The next four sets wouldn't be that controllable for either team. The second set was a pretty big turning point in the game. DBU found success early in the set, leading 18-12 at one point. But the Lady Tigers went on a run of their own and take the lead 21-19. After going back and forth a bit, they sealed the deal scoring the set's last three points, winning the set 25-22 and tying the game at one set apiece.
 
The third and fourth set provided some good moments in the game. Each team wanted the win and they were working hard to get there. Neither team allowed the other to maintain a big lead, like in the previous two sets. DBU saw themselves down in the third set 20-22, but they quickly took over and took the third set 25-23. In the fourth set, it was more of the same with no team able to take control. With the Lady Patriots down 17-20 the Lady Tigers didn't let another late comeback happen and won the set 25-20.
 
Going into the fifth and final set, the Lady Tigers came out strong taking a quick 9-3 lead, but the Lady Patriots responded. DBU fought back and eventually found themselves in the lead 14-12. The Lady Tigers were able to tie it up at 15-15 and the Lady Patriots couldn't get the lead back after that, losing the set 18-16 and losing the game. Overall, this game was a tough loss, but was one that showed great heart, talent, and effort from our Lady Patriots.
 
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• DBU showed they can compete against tough opponents, especially after winning the first set in convincing fashion.
• Sophomore, Kasey Holand had a terrific game today as she led the team in kills and blocks.
• It took the 2016 team 4 games before being able to win a set, so already this team is showing they're ready to compete this year.

  
COACH KOKEL ON THE EFFORT FROM THE TEAM IN A TOUGH GAME
"It showed great character on the girls part to fight and come back in the 5^th set the way they did. That match could have gone either way easily. We, of course, saw things to work on, but saw many to build on; all in all it was a good day."
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
52- OUA finished the game 52 assists compared to DBU's 40.
12- DBU was able to get 12 blocks while OUA only finished with 3.
12- Also, the number of kills both Kasey Holand and Madeline Dolberry finished the game with.
 
UP NEXT
DBU has two more games scheduled in the South Central Classic Tournament. They will play Cameron University tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. then turn around and play Southeastern Oklahoma State at 7:00 p.m.