DALLAS, Texas – The East Central University volleyball team kicked off the 2024 season with a stellar performance at the Dallas Classic Tournament, hosted by Dallas Baptist University from Sept. 6-7. The Tigers dominated the competition, securing three victories for their best start to a season in program history.
 
ECU opened up their campaign with a decisive sweep over the University of Texas at Tyler, followed by a 3-1 win over Bentley on Friday. In the tournament finale, the Tigers outlasted the Lady Patriots 3-1 to cap off the weekend undefeated.
 
"It is great to go undefeated during the opening weekend, especially against great competition," Head Coach Danielle Essix said. "We played so well and together the entire weekend. We have been working hard to be a consistent, disciplined team and I believe our wins show that. I am excited for what this team can do and there is still room for growth."
 
ECU vs. UT-Tyler | (25-17, 25-22, 24-14)
The Tigers started the season strong, controlling the match from beginning to end over the Patriots. ECU hit .217 as a team while restricting UT Tyler to just a .088 attack percentage, forcing adjustments in their lineup.
 
Odalys Gonzelz and Emma Strickland led with their double-double performances, each contributing 12 digs and strong kill totals (11 and 10, respectively). Julia Kabala dished out 32 assists along with eight digs while Valentina Tijerina, in her debut as the Tiger libero, picked up 10 digs and a team high four aces.
 
ECU vs. Bentley | (25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21)
The second match of the day was a slightly tougher contest against the Falcons. After winning the first set, the Tigers dropped the second but rallied to take the third and fourth sets to seal game two. ECU posted a .195 hitting percentage compared to the Falcons' .146 and also out-dug Bentley 78 to 61.
 
Emma Strickland and Odalys Gonzalez garnered their second double-double of the season, with Strickland tallying 17 kills and 16 digs while Gonzalez recorded 12 kills and 21 digs. Angel Nahinu achieved a career-high .800 hitting percentage with eight kills no 10 attempts and Ashleigh Miller added a .333 hitting percentage with seven kills to go along with her two block solos.
 
Julia Kabala accumulated 39 assists and 13 digs for her first double-double of the season while Valentina Tijerina covered the back row with 14 digs.
 
ECU vs. Dallas Baptist | (28-26, 23-25, 25-17, 25-23)
In their final test of the tournament, ECU faced their most challenging match against a resilient Dallas Baptist team that refused to go down without a fight. Three out of the four sets were decided by just two points, but ECU maintained their composure to secure a thrilling four set victory. This win marked DBU's just fifth home loss since the 2021 season.
 
The Tigers put up a strong .215 hitting percentage and impressive 10 blocks to help outlast the Lady Patriots who recorded a .141 attack percentage, their lowest of the entire tournament.
 
Emma Strickland led the offensive attack with 19 kills to go along with her 16 digs while Faiana Halatoa and Odalys Gonzalez contributed big with 13 kills each. Julia Kabala controlled the offense garnering 37 assists and collecting 11 digs for her second double-double while Valentina Tijerina tallied a team-high 17 digs on defense.
 
The ECU volleyball team will continue their road stretch with a non-conference game against the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma on Tuesday, Sept. 10 in Chickasha.