THE RUNDOWN
The DBU Volleyball team (0-1) fell in straight sets on the road in the opening game of the Washburn Invitational on Friday afternoon inside Lee Arena. Junior Lexie Houston led the Lady Patriots with seven kills. Junior Strealy Sizelove chipped in nine assists while senior Merci Perry added five of her own. Senior Lauren Nicks led the backrow with nine digs while senior Katie Nicholson posted a pair of blocks.

The opening set was tight early, but Washburn kept the Lady Patriots at bay throughout the set. Down 14-19, DBU scored five of the next six points to come within one of the Ichabods and force them into a timeout. Despite the Lady Patriots efforts, Washburn rallied to score five straight points led by sophomore Genna Berg to take the first set 25-19.

In the second set, DBU jumped out to a quick 5-1 lead that was quickly erased by 8-2 run by the Ichabods. Sophomore Lexie Longbine added a trio of kills making the score 9-7 in favor of Washburn. The Ichabods would widen the gap with another 8-2 run making the score 20-13. DBU would try answer back, but it was not enough as Washburn scored four of the last seven points, taking the second set 25-17.

In the third set, DBU struggled to get going as it trailed Washburn 12-5. Back-to-back kills by Merci Perry and Strealy Sizelove weren't enough as the Ichabods pulled away rattling off eight of the next 14 points to go up 20-11. Washburn would go onto defeat DBU 25-16 in the third set.
 

KEY STORYLINES
- In the first set, DBU totaled nine kills and only three attack errors.
- DBU registered five blocks to Washburn's four.
- Lexie Houston finished with a team high 8.5 points.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
23 - total attempts by junior Emma Eakin in her Lady Patriot debut.
6 - digs in the first set by senior Lauren Nicks.
21 - assists for the Lady Patriots.
9 - Lady Patriots registered at least one point in the match.

UP NEXT
DBU returns to the court later this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. to take on the UC Colorado Springs Mountain Lions at Lee Arena.