Aug. 30, 2019 (Chicago, Ill.)- The DePauw University volleyball team split their first two regular-season matches in the Gargoyle Classic, falling to UW-Stevens Point in three sets (25-20, 25-15, 25-19), but rallying in their second match of the night against UT-Dallas, winning 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-17).

Unable to find their footing fast enough, match one of the Gargoyle Classic proved to be difficult for the Tigers. On paper the DePauw Tigers seemed to be neck and neck with the Pointers across the first two sets; however, they dug themselves into a hole with an abundance of attack errors throughout the match.

Seniors Liv Hartman and Morgan Stearley lead the team in kills with 10 and nine respectively, playing a significant role in keeping some of the longer rallies against the Pointers alive. Unfortunately, the blocking power of UW-Stevens Point coupled with their ability to recover quickly proved to be too difficult for DePauw to overcome in match one.

Learning from their first match, however, the DePauw Tigers came out strong against UT-Dallas. In set one DePauw was on the board first with a defining kill by Stearley. DePauw kept their composure and communicated well throughout the first set despite multiple lead changes. 

The Tigers' ability to decrease their attack errors in match two allowed them to change the tempo of the game and forced the Comets to adjust their lineup. Down 21-22, Kaylee Nichols was subbed in; giving DePauw a much needed second wind. A move that would not only lead to back to back errors but would ultimately lead to the Tigers taking the first set of match two.

DePauw dominated set two from the very beginning. From the numerous one, two punch attacks from Allie Frymire and Hartman to impressive plays by freshman Jessica Levy, the Tigers quickly established a lead and cruised to another won set.

Building off of the momentum of the first two sets, DePauw continued its dominance in the third and final set. Levy, Hartman, and Stearley continued to find success on the attack recording more than half of the teams kills between the three of them. Setting them up throughout the final set Grace Filbrun recorded 18 assists followed closely by Frymire (13).

Tigers (1-1) return to the court on Saturday, August 31, to face the Gargoyle Classic hosts the University of Chicago at 12 PM EDT. Click HERE to follow along live.