On Oct. 19, the Lady Blue Devils Volleyball Team made anoutstanding defeat against Xavier University for the second timethis season. Dillard won with a score of 3-1 putting their bestfoot forward defensively.

In the first round, Dillard came out and had the fans roaringwith excitement. The crowd was overwhelmed from the Lady BlueDevils victory score 30-26.

Xavier refused to be defeated a second time without a fight andheld out to the end to beat Dillard. The Lady Blue Devils remainedtough and consistent with its defense but unfortunately lost thesecond set with a close score of 28-30.

Dillard came back in the third set refreshed and ready to handlebusiness. They looked determined to win as if nothing could bringdown their adrenaline. During this set, the team’s main setter,Brittney Neveaux, injured her ankle.

Many in the stands thought that she would have to sit out, butshe pulled through and stayed in the game helping the team pull avictory.

Dillard then went on to mercilessly defeat Xavier 30-17.

In the fourth set Dillard looked pumped and ready to win thegame. Dillard fans were anxious and excited as the set started inanticipation of victory. Dillard was strong and determined in thefirst few minutes of the set, but the team captain, Cicely Ozen hadan eye injury that scared many of her teammates. She was determinednot to give up and stayed in the game, helping the team win thefourth and final set 30-15.

The Lady Blue Devils were victorious in the game making theircoach, as well as the school proud. Cicely Ozen led the team with19 kills. Candice Hairston was not far behind with 17 kills. Ozenalso led the team with 27 digs, with Aleshia Harris behind her with24 digs. Brittney Neveaux led the team with an amazing 43assists.

Lady Devils head coach Javonne Butler said that she was veryproud of the team’s accomplishments. She also conceded that she wasscared at first, but said that the team was growing and gettingbetter.

“They’re getting used to each other and used to what I want.They’re gonna come with it.” Butler added, “They love each other,they’re young and they’re good. This is going to be part of the keyto our success, them liking each other.”

Watching her two key players go down, Butler said she prayedthat they were not seriously injured.

“It would have been devastating if they were seriously hurt,”Butler said.

With marked success this season, the Lady Blue Devils areencouraged by their performance so far and hope to continue on theroad to victory.