Volleyball opens season with split in Dallas Invite

IRVING, Texas - As hosts of the Dallas Invite, the University of Dallas volleyball team opened their 2013 season with a 1-1 showing on Friday at the Maher Athletic Center. 

Match 3: Dallas falls to Wisconsin-Superior, 3-0 (11-25, 28-30, 23-25):

The University of Wisconsin-Superior (UWS) took the first set, showing little struggle in cruising to a 25-11 win. The second set appeared the same, as the Yellow Jackets started up 4-0. Dallas responded with three straight points, however, setting the tone for a thrilling, see-saw second set. 

Down 22-17, Dallas head coach Amy Byfield called a timeout, which then sparked a five point comeback, tying the set at 22. After a long series of back and forth scoring, the Yellowjackets edged out a 30-28 win, taking the 2-0 lead in the match. 

Dallas (0-1) came out swinging in the third set, quickly jumping out to a 7-2 lead and forcing a timeout from UWS coach Lynne Deadrick. The Yellowjackets climbed back in following the timeout, trading leads and ties with the Crusaders up to 23, before scoring a pair of points to take the set 25-23, and the match 3-0. 

"We never lost energy, we never lost hope, I don't think, but there wasn't enough confidence," said Byfield. "We tried a new rotation, and you could tell the confidence wasn't there, that was the big difference in the game."

The Crusaders have a quick turnaround, immediately facing Millsaps College, who defeated Sul Ross State University, earlier Friday.

Match 4: Dallas defeats Millsaps, 3-1 (11-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-20):

With the authoritative final kill by Emily Caples, the Crusaders earned their first win of the season, a 3-1 win over Millsaps College in match four of the Dallas Volleyball Invitational. 

"The confidence factor was huge in this game," said head coach Amy Byfield. "Even with the win, we've seen what we need to work on. Confidence is good, but we have a long way to go."

Millsaps started quickly, opening the first set on a 10-1 run. The Majors then outscored Dallas, 15-11, the rest of the way, comfortably carrying the set, 25-12. 

As was the case in Friday's first match, the Crusaders came to life in the second set, battling shot for shot with their opponent. With the score tied at 19, Dallas went on a four point run, eventually taking the set, 25-23, and tying the match 1-1. 

The Crusaders carried the momentum into the third set, putting together a 6-1 run to open the frame. Twice they led by nine on their way to a 25-20 win, taking a 2-1 set lead. 

With the fourth set tied at 11, Dallas went on a four point run and never looked back, leading the rest of the way en route to a 25-20 win, completing the 3-1 match win. 

"(Junior) C.J. (Broadbent) is our most experienced setter, and her taking the floor made a huge difference. Libero Jessie Koster stepped up, it's the best defense I've seen in a long time," added Byfield. 

Upcoming schedule:

Dallas is scheduled to play Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Both matches will be played at Arlington Baptist College.