Chickasha, OKLA.-- Dallas Christian College (1-1) opened up the season on Friday afternoon in a tri-match against the University of Science and Arts (4-1) and Randall University. DCC lost in straight sets in its first match against USAO and bounced back with a 3-1 win against Randall University in the second match. 

Game 1 vs. USAO (4-1)

DCC put pressure on the Drovers in the first match. The scoring started with a kill by Alexis Garner and a kill by Christen Downey to lock both teams at a 2-2 tie early. The Drovers jumped out to a 15-10 lead in the first set after multiple kills in a row. The Crusaders were able to cut the deficit to 16-14 after Megan Ross racked up two points in a row with a service Ace and a kill.

USAO opened up the game with a seven-point Rally to extend the lead to 22-15. DCC started to gain momentum with a five point rally of its own after two kills in a row by Christen Downey, and three attack errors by the Drovers that benefited the Crusaders. Alexis Garner recorded a kill to knot the first set up at 24. Although, DCC made a late push, the Drovers snagged the final two points on two kills in a row to take set 1.

Set 2 started back and forth as it was tied at 4 after a kill by Megan Ross. The Crusaders hung tough, but USAO found a rhythm that led to a commanding 23-15 lead. The Drovers closed out the second set with two straight kills.

The Drovers carried momentum into the third set and jumped out to a 21-9 lead. The Crusaders showed grit and determination by scoring 3 points in a row to cut the deficit to 11 points, but USAO closed the match out with a kill by Kat Smith. DCC lost in straight sets 3-0.

As a team, DCC recorded 25 kills, 22 assists, 3 blocks, and 45 digs. Christen Downey led the team in game one with six kills, and Hannah Gallegos had a team-high 9 assists. Kelly Graves recorded 7 assists, Taylor Gary recorded 6 assists, and Autumn Allmon led the team with 3 blocks.

Game 2 vs. Randall University

DCC picked up the pace in its second match of the day with a quick start, jumping our to a 7-2 lead in the first set after an attack error by RU. It was an even first set with neither team giving an inch. After Randall University tied the set at 21, DCC scored 4 straight points to close out the first set. 

RU gained momentum in the second set, securing itself a 21-14 lead after recording a few kills in a row. DCC hung tough and climbed its way back into the second set with back-to-back kills. RU closed out the second set with a kill to tie the match. 

The third set continued the trend of both teams trading points. DCC was able to end the set with three straight points on attack errors. Heading into the fourth set, the Crusaders looked to secure its first victory of the new season.

The Crusaders were able to put together a string of points that ended with a kill by Makenna Rambo to give the Crusaders a 3-1 victory. Christen Downey led the team with 12 kills, Alexis Garner recorded 9 kills, and Cameron Del Angel recorded 7 kills. Hannah Gallegos led the team with three aces and Kelly Graves racked up 14 assists. The Crusaders will face North Lake College in Irving on Monday at 6 p.m.