DALLAS, Texas -- The SBU volleyball Bearcats split their first day matches at the Dallas Baptist Lady Patriot Invitational, falling to Abilene Christian 3-1 before topping Southern Arkansas 3-1 in the nightcap.

In the first match with Abilene Christian, the Wildcats took the first two sets (25-16 and 25-23) before the Bearcats would rally in the third, winning 25-17. ACU would hold off the Bearcats in the fourth set, winning 25-23. Freshman Alex Smith continued her strong start and led with 10 kills and 19 digs. Kelsey Stewart had nine kills for the Bearcats while Brianna Wallace had 28 assists.

The results were better for the Bearcats in the second match with Southern Arkansas. SBU won the first set 25-18 before the Lady Muleriders would take the second, 25-23. The Bearcats would respond by winning the third, 25-20, and dominating the fourth at 25-10. Smith again led SBU with 12 kills and a .462 hitting percentage. Ashley Jurgensmeyer added 11 kills and Wallace had 35 assists. Lauren Noble and Mandy Brady were the team co-leaders with 14 digs each.

SBU continues action in Dallas on Saturday, September 12, with matches with Arkansas-Monticello at 1 p.m. and Texas A&M-Commerce at 5 p.m.