THE RUNDOWN
Tarleton State took down the Lady Patriots 3-0 in the first home game for DBU. Tarleton State barely got the win in the first set 25-23, but then they were able to take the next two with a little more ease with scores of 25-17 and 25-20. This game was definitely a closer one than the score suggests. Going up against the number 14 team in the nation, DBU knew they had to give a lot of effort tonight and they did. The Lady Patriots never let Tarleton run off with a big lead early in a set, but in the end, Tarleton State showed their offensive power and took advantage of small mistakes by DBU and took the win tonight. 

The Lady Patriots came out ready to play in front of their home crowd for the first time and jumped out to a 7-1 lead in the first set. Tarleton State didn't flinch and they began to chip away at the lead before it got too out of hand. They eventually were trailing only 8-12, but DBU played well on the attack and kept the lead intact for a majority of the set. With DBU up 20-17, Tarleton State started to score in bunches and the Lady Patriots couldn't stop them. Tarleton eventually tied up the set before a couple kills by Hailey Roberts to win it 25-23.

The Lady Patriots were still ready to fight in the next two sets. The second set showed impressive play from both sides with the lead going back and forth. DBU eventually found themselves with a small 17-13 lead. Then Tarleton State had one of the most impressive runs DBU has seen this year, scoring the next 12 points to win the set. The Patriots struggled to bounce back after losing the second set in such a crazy way and Tarleton took a 7-1 lead. The Lady Patriots found their composure to eventually make it a 9-10 game, but Tarleton scored five in a row from there to take a commanding 15-9 lead. DBU couldn't find a way to come back before dropping the set 25-20.

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

• The Lady Patriots continue to impress teams with their blocking. A lot of success in the first set came from some impressive blocks.
• The 12 point run by Tarleton State really made the difference tonight. DBU held with them the entire night until that point.
• Tarleton came into this game with a three game losing streak, so they were playing with some extra motivation tonight.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
5- DBU committed five errors during the 12 point run by Tarleton State in the second set.
7- The Lady Patriots finished with seven blocks tonight, which continues to be a key part of their game.
0- No player for DBU finished with double-digit kills tonight. 

COACH KOKEL ON HOW GOOD THIS TEAM CAN BE
"We are making strides to being the team we set out to be. I am pleased with so much of his match. We have some things to work on but with this team, their determination and work ethic I am certain we will get where we are headed soon. Not to mention our blocking is huge for us right now."

UP NEXT
The Lady Patriots will get some much needed rest with their next game being Thursday, September 21st against Texas A&M International here in Dallas.