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MARSHALL, Texas – The University of Dallas volleyball team competed in four matches at the Tiger Invitational this past weekend, battling through a challenging slate that included Carroll (WI), #11 East Texas Baptist, Belhaven, and Mary Hardin-Baylor. The Crusaders showed resilience throughout, highlighted by strong defensive play and standout performances at the net.

UDallas opened Friday morning against Carroll (WI), starting with momentum by taking the first set 25-23 behind sharp hitting from Mary Mehan (12 kills) and Anna Clement (8 kills, 4 blocks). Despite the fast start, Carroll responded with a balanced attack, hitting .237 as a team to capture the next three sets. Defensively, Isabella Woodley anchored the back row with 19 digs, while Isabella Salazar (17 assists) and Syraia Harvey (14 assists) kept the offense in rhythm.

In the second match of the day, the Crusaders ran into a dominant 11th nationally ranked East Texas Baptist squad that remained unbeaten on the year. ETBU posted a .363 hitting percentage and rolled to a 3-0 sweep. UDallas finished with 15 kills, led by Ja'Niyah Boudreaux and Mehan with four apiece, while Clement, Mehan, and Madison Triolet each tallied three blocks. Harvey (7 digs, 6 assists) and Breana Timms (6 digs) held steady in the backcourt despite the pressure.

Saturday morning's matchup with Belhaven brought the most drama of the weekend, as the Crusaders stretched the contest to four sets with a back-and-forth battle. Belhaven edged out UDallas 28-26 in a marathon second set, before the Crusaders responded to claim the third. Mehan delivered a team-high 14 kills along with 3 blocks, while Boudreaux added 5 kills and 16 digs. The defense shined, with Timms recording a match-high 23 digs and Gouge contributing 9 digs. From the service line, Timms (3 aces) and Harvey (2 aces) applied pressure throughout, though Belhaven ultimately secured the match 3-1.

The weekend closed with a clash against nationally respected Mary Hardin-Baylor, where UDallas nearly extended the match in a thrilling third set that went 29-27. Boudreaux and Mehan again paced the offense with eight kills apiece, while Mehan added four blocks to slow the Crusaders' attack. Defensively, Timms led with 13 digs, followed by Boudreaux with 9, and Harvey chipped in 8 assists and an ace to round out the effort.

Though the Crusaders came away winless on the weekend, the team flashed competitive stretches and key contributions from veterans and underclassmen alike. UDallas will look to build on the experience and momentum as they continue non-conference play ahead of SCAC competition.