The Lions sweep Dallas Baptist in their home opener for the 2015 season

TEAM LEADERS
A&M-Commerce
Kills: Taryn Driver, 13
Blocks: Jaslyn Wacker, 6
Assists: Courtney Tate, 40
Aces: Courtney Tate, 2
Digs: Two players tied at 14 digs each

Dallas Baptist
Kills: Carly Hess, 11
 Blocks: Sidnee Jo Fitzpatric, 3
Assists: Kaycie Bird, 17
Aces: Three players tied at one ace each
Digs: Two players tied at 12 digs each
 
Turning Point

Layne Little's big girl swing and kill in the first set not only helped lift the Lions over the Patriots in the set, but also set the tone and created an aggressive attitude for the entire team. The Lions ended their three game losing streak to Dallas Baptist by recording the first sweep of the 2015 season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Set 1
After two early errors creating a 3-0 deficit, the Lions rallied off six straight points to grab the lead and momentum. Dallas Baptist then struck back to regain the lead at a score of 12-7. After having the Lions down by seven, Tate led an impressive run narrowing the gap and forcing a Patriot timeout. The first set ended with high intensity as the Lions roared back. With a momentum shifting kill by Layne Little after a clutch save by Summer Alford to tie the set at 23, freshman Jasyln Wacker put down a kill to go up 24-23 to gain the set point. Sidnee Jo Fitzpatric made an attack error for Dallas Baptist ending the set 25-23 Lions.
Set 2
The Lions picked up where they left off from the first set and jumped out to a 14-8 lead in the second set. The Lions dominated throughout the second set with a lead as large as seven and never relinquishing the lead. Layne Little had a big kill making the score 21-15 however the Patriots continued to fight back cutting into the lead making it a three point set 23-20. Baric ended the set with a forceful kill and the Lions win by the score of 25-23 again.
Set 3
The Patriots came out of the break with a vengeance jumping out to an early lead. However, the Lions worked hard to keep it close and then went on a run to take their first lead of the third set at 13-12. The Lions never looked back and completed the sweep in their home opener. Layne Little had another huge kill for the 23-20 lead. Following the kill, freshman Jaslyn Wacker made a nice block and Tayrn Driver finished off the set and match with the winning kill.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

The Lions snap their three game loosing streak against Dallas Baptist and improve their series record to 19-8.
Courtney Tate recorded a double-double with 40 assists and 13 digs
Layne Little had a hitting percentage of .286 along with her 12 kills out of 35 attempts and only two errors. Little's .286 hitting proved to be a high in her young Lion career.
Both Driver and Little reached new heights for kills in three set. Driver had 13 kills and Little had 12 kills in the match against Dallas Baptist. 
 
Coach's Thoughts

"We did good tonight battling for momentum. There were at least four or five times where Dallas Baptist took a huge chunk of the momentum but we did good battling through that, especially with a good team as Dallas Baptist.
Layne played well again picking up where she left off this past weekend and that is what we expect out of her. Taryn also played steady again although she has to do better with her decision making in tough spots. However the difference for us when we were playing well and were not playing well was our middles. Sydney Reyes and Jaslyn Wacker were active all night long and did great with blocking.
A big portion of this win has to go to our fans. Every year I have been here it gets tougher and tougher for opposing teams to come in and get a win on our home floor. I felt a shift when our teams energy was down. The crowd got louder and said chants to pick the team up. You know you have great fans when they cheer although you are playing bad. The really helped us out tonight. Our fans are one of the best in the Lone Star Conference if not the best."
- Lions head coach Craig Case
 
The Lions will travel to Oklahoma this weekend to participate in the South Central Classic.

GAME INFORMATION
Sets: A&M Commerce 3, Dallas Baptist 0
Records: A&M Commerce (3-2, 0-0 LSC), Dallas Baptist (3-2, 0-0 Heartland Conference)
Series: A&M Commerce are 19-8 against Dallas Baptist
Location: The Field House
Time of Game: 6 p.m.