Lady Dawgs open season with five-set win

DAYTON–The reconstituted Lady Bulldog Volleyball Program got off to a rousing start with a five-set win over White Swan here Thursday, September 7.

The win puts the Bulldog's record at 1-0 as the program jumps right into league play this week at Colton Tuesday and against Tekoa-Rosalia on the home court tonight, Thursday, September 14. Jayvees get started at 5 p.m. with the varsity serving at 6 p.m.

The first four sets against White Swan were back-and-forth: Dayton took the first 25-15 then fell 17-25. The Lady Dawgs rallied with a 15-19 third set then the bubble burst with a 12-25 fourth set. They won 15-7 to take the match.

Elsie Mann, a senior, made five kills and counted five assists. Freshman Layla Booth sliced three aces and served 19 of 22 for 86%.

"There were a lot of highs and lows during the five-set battle," commented Head Coach Des Jones. "I think they will be able to better maintain the swings in energy as they learn and grow together as a team.

Jones praised freshman Peyton Benavides for stepping up and helping secure some pivotal momentum shifts during the match.

"Most of the team has very little experience, and only one player has any varsity playing time," Jones said. "They show up every day ready to work hard to get better. I can see amazing improvements already, and I'm excited to see more as the season gets underway.

"This Dayton team is young, and very motivated," she said. "They are working hard to establish a new program for the Bulldogs."