UT Tyler Spikers Fall to UTPB
By Mickey Smith
Tyler Morning Telegraph
October 4, 2003

The University of Texas at Tyler volleyball team had its hands full on Saturday afternoon at the Maytee Fisch Convocation Center as they dropped three straight matches to the University of Texas-Permian Basin, 30-22, 30-23, 30-15.

Unlike the recent three-game sweep over Missisippi College last week, the Patriots just never could get on track.

The first game was highlighted with with eight ties and four lead changes before UTPB took control to finish out the 30-22 opener.

The Lady Falcons (10-9) jumped out quickly in game two with a 5-1 lead before the Patriots could finally get things turned around. Behind the service work of Kelly Roberts and Breann McIlhenny, the Patriots drew even at 11-11. UTPB, however, had the answer once again as it reeled off a 10-3 scoring run for a 21-14 cushion.

Unforced errors by the Patriots aided the Lady Falcons down the stretch of the second game as UTPB finished off the 30-23 win.

The Lady Falcons came out smoking for the third game as they went on a run early to take an 8-2 lead.The front-line play of Bianca Coffman, Bianca Olivas and Kendall Kulp was the difference as the trio accounted for 10 kills in the final game alone.

The Patriots (7-8 overall, 2-4), were led at the net by Kala Laningham with eight kills, four blocks and two dinks. Roberts chipped in with 22 assists while Morgan Murphy added 15 digs.

The Patriots will be on the road for the next few weeks before returning home on Oct. 30, when they host Austin College at 7 p.m.

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