After defeating Loyola University, the Dillard University Lady Blue Devils advance to second in the GCAC/NAIA Conference.
On October 5, the Lady Devils crushed Loyola winning 3-0. Putting their offense and communication on court to work, the Lady Blue Devils were able to conquer Loyola quickly in the first game, prevailing 30-10.
Loyola refused to lose without a fight in the second game. After attacking Dillard with various kills, they began to regain their confidence taking the lead 6-5 in the early half of the game.
However, Dillard was able to keep up the momentum. Stephanie Willis, freshman Lady Devil, tied the game 6-6 with a kill over Loyola.
This did not stop Loyola. Loyola was adamant in keeping the game close. Dillard and Loyola were neck and neck throughout the entire game. Both Dillard and Loyola had chances to win the game, but neither team would give up. In the end, Dillard showed their courage and dedication overcoming Loyola 39-37.
Dillard displayed no mercy in the third game beating Loyola 30-27. Dillard had two players in the double digits in kills. Cicely Ozen had 18 kills and Candice Hairston with 10 kills. Stephanie Willis led the team with 14 digs. Menesia Pinkney and Aleshia Harris followed her lead, both with seven digs. Setter, Brittney Neveaux, had 36 assists.
Lady Devils head coach Javonne Butler said she was very proud of the girls.
"My team played a very good game. They stayed focused and in control the entire game," said Butler.
According to Butler, this was the first time Dillard has beaten Loyola in three games.
"I’ve seen a better Loyola team. We took advantage of them playing bad," said Butler.
Dillard had good passing and tough serves against Loyola. The serves took Loyola out of their offense, according to Butler.
"We still need to work on our blocking. That’s one of our weaker points," said Butler.
The win over Loyola placed the Lady Blue Devils in third place in the region. Dillard will play their rival Xavier University on Tuesday, October 19 in Dent Hall at 7p.m.
