DBU (0-0), BIOLA (0-0), COLORADO MESA (0-0), #7 NEBRASKA-KEARNEY (0-0), MISSISSIPPI CHRISTIAN (0-0)
August 27-29 | Dallas, TX | The Burg Center
​
MULTIMEDIA COVERAGE
Video: Flo College
Live Stats: Stat Broadcast
X: @DBUVolleyball
Instagram: @dbu_vball
Facebook: DBU Athletics
​
DALLAS CLASSIC ON FLOCOLLEGE
Ryan Wilson and sideline reporter Alexis Delagarza will bring fans the action all weekend long on FloCollege.
​
A NEW BEGINNING
In 2025, the Patriots (12-13, 6-11 LSC) suffered their first sub-.500 campaign since the shortened 2020 season (3-10, 3-9 LSC). It also marked the first losing season in the Jordan Fish era. Now, the 2026 group looks to return to the NCAA Tournament, a feat the program accomplished in each of the three seasons preceding 2025.
​
The Patriots were picked to finish ninth in the preseason Lone Star Conference Coaches Poll, although they received one first-place vote. For the third consecutive year, DBU will begin the new season by hosting the Dallas Classic.
​
DALLAS CLASSIC
Four programs from four different states will journey to Dallas this weekend, as a new collegiate volleyball season gets underway. The field features Biola (PacWest), Colorado Mesa (RMAC), No.7-ranked Nebraska-Kearney (MIAA), and Mississippi Christian (GSC). Biola has the farthest trek of them all, as the Eagles will travel a whopping 1,440 miles from La Mirada, California. Mississippi College has the shortest trip, journeying 430 miles from Clinton, Mississippi.
​
PATRIOT STORYLINES
Senior Spotlight: Karly Wells, Kalin Hubbard, and Reagan Fifer will begin their senior seasons this weekend, and all three will be asked to lead by example on the Lady Patriot front row.
Leadership Milestone: Head coach Jordan Fish enters the 2026 season five wins shy of 100 in her coaching career (95-46).
Welcome Back: Patriot legend AJ Koele returns to University Hill as she takes on the role of assistant coach. During her playing career at DBU, Koele took home South Central Region Player of the Year and AVCA First Team All-American honors.
Outside Dominance: Since arriving on campus in 2023, Karly Wells has one of the most decorated résumés in college volleyball. The 2025 AVCA First Team All-American is expected to lead the Lady Patriot attack once again in 2026, after finishing sixth in the country in kills per set (4.68) last season.
Year Two: 2025 LSC All-Freshman Team recipients Aizlyn Dewberry and Lauren Witte return to campus for their sophomore campaigns.
Fresh Starts: The 2026 Patriots roster contains six freshmen: Claire Conner (OH), Avery Keck (OH/OPP), Bella Van Wart (MB), Olivia Clayton (DS/L), Kynzie Ward (MB), and Brooklynn McNulty (S).
Portal Power: Setter Zoe Gun, originally from Turkey, is the lone new transfer on this year's team. Gun appeared in 25 matches for Stephen F. Austin last fall, averaging 4.67 assists per set. She also finished second on the team in aces with 33.
​
SCOUTING WEEKEND OPPONENTS
Biola:
- Juliana Van Ommering is their leading returner in kills from last season. The right side hitter averaged 2.67 kills per set on a .213 hitting percentage.
- Setter Hannah Hanson led the team in both aces (29) and assists per set (5.42) last year.
- The Eagles failed to make the PacWest tournament last fall, despite a 7-5 conference record (17-10 overall).
​
Colorado Mesa:
- Henley Madson is Mesa's leading returner in kills from last season. The right-side hitter averaged 2.74 kills per set, while maintaining a team-leading .289 hitting percentage.
- Ashlyn Tafoya is returning as the team's number one setter, averaging just shy of seven assists per set last season. She's also the group's leading returner in aces, notching 28 last year.
- The Mavericks' season ended with six consecutive set losses to MSU Denver. Mesa fell to the Roadrunners in the semifinal of the RMAC Tournament, and also in the first round of the NCAA Regionals.
​
#7 Nebraska-Kearney:
- The Lopers return first and third leading attackers from 2025: Carly Purdy (3.53 kill/set) and Brynn Stowell (2.55 kill/set).
- Sydney Davis led the team with 108.0 total blocks last season and returns for her fourth season this fall. She posted double-digit blocks three times last season.
- The No. 7-ranked Nebraska-Kearney group had their season end in the second round of the NCAA Regionals last fall. After defeating Oklahoma Baptist in the first round, the Lopers fell to St. Cloud State in four sets to end their campaign.
​
Mississippi Christian:
- Mary Grace Foster led the team with 2.64 kills per set last season, and also amassed 2.34 assists per set, good for third on the team.
- Meg Paparella led the group with 43 aces last season and also averaged 2.22 kills per set.
- The Choctaws missed out on the Gulf South Conference Tournament, finishing the 2025 season at 11-20 (8-12 GSC).
​
SERIES HISTORY
Biola:
This will be the first time the Patriots face Biola on the volleyball court.
​
Colorado Mesa:
DBU and Colorado Mesa have shared nine battles on the hardwood. Although the Patriots trail the all-time series 2-7, DBU actively holds a six-set win streak over the Mavericks.
​
#7 Nebraska-Kearney:
This will be the first time the Patriots face Nebraska-Kearney on the volleyball court.
​
Mississippi Christian:
DBU won the only meeting between the two schools back in 2018, sweeping the Choctaws in a neutral-site, opening weekend contest.
​
UP NEXT
Following the Dallas Classic, the Patriots will head to San Diego, California, for the Seaside Invitational. DBU will open the weekend against Point Loma on September 3 at 8:00 pm CST.