THE RUNDOWN
The Lady Patriots started their 2017 season on a high note at the South Central Classic tournament, as they took down the Southern Arkansas Lady Muleriders in 4 sets. With a game where DBU had more kills, blocks, assists, and digs, it shows that it was a consistent and balanced performance that helped them reach this win. This game also highlighted the leadership shown by the Lady Patriot captains, Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick and Lauren Nicks. Fitzpatrick led the team in kills, while Nicks led the team in digs and aces.

The Lady Patriots and Lady Muleriders split the first 2 sets with DBU taking the first set 26-24 then dropping the next set 23-25. The first 2 sets really set the tone on what type of game this was going to be, as neither team was able to get out to a sustainable lead. As soon as one team would string together a few points in a row the other team would march right back to keep the score close. The first set saw DBU go out to an early 6-1 lead only for SAU to eventually come back and tie the game at 14-14. It remained close until the end where DBU was able to take the final 3 points to win the set. The second set saw more of the same with the two teams trading points back and forth. At one point, DBU appeared in control, leading 21-15, but SAU scored the game's next 6 points to tie it up, until eventually winning the set and tying the game.

The third, and most important set, is where we saw the Lady Patriots really take control of this game. They came out strong winning the first 3 points and eventually had a 14-7 lead. The Lady Muleriders attempted to keep things close, trying to make another comeback, and were able to get the score to 15-12. But the Lady Patriots were too strong and were able to get a lead of 21-13 and from there they finished off the set with a score of 25-18. 

Feeling confident after taking a 2-1 lead in the game, the Lady Patriots started the fourth set even better than the third, taking the first 6 points. SAU quickly woke up and picked away at the lead before tying it up 10-10. With some momentum, the Lady Muleriders were eventually able to take a lead of 17-14. From there it went back to trading points with each other until the Lady Patriots were able to take 4 out of the game's final 5 points which gave them the win in 4 sets. 

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW 
- With DBU leading 15-12 in the third set, the Lady Patriots were able to score 6 out of the next 7 points which gave them a 21-13 lead as they went on to win the set.
- Captain, Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick had a good game all-around finishing with 15 kills, 2 aces, and 4 blocks.
- This was the third game between DBU and SAU and with the win, DBU has beaten SAU all three games.

COACH KOKEL ON THE TEAM'S DEFENSIVE PLAY, CONSISTENCY, AND GAME FROM HER CAPTAINS
"I am pleased with the way the team stayed ahead defensively. They were unemotional and solid throughout the game which kept them coachable and adjusting to the other team. Lauren Nicks did well on the back row and Sidnee executed front row as they should as captains."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
29- Lauren Nicks finished with a game-high 29 digs.
53- DBU had a total of 53 assists compared to SAU's 44.
3- The 7 aces served by the Lady Patriots came way of 3 different players.

UP NEXT
DBU will play again today at 5:00 p.m. against Ouachita Baptist. This will be their second of four games in the South Central Classic tournament, as we will see them play two more games there in Durant, Oklahoma tomorrow.