LAREDO, Texas (September 20, 2017) - The Texas A&M International University Volleyball team opens Heartland Conference play on Thursday. TAMIU will take on Dallas Baptist in Dallas, Texas. 

The Dustdevils continue a road-heavy start to the 2017 season after closing out regular season tournament play last weekend. TAMIU took part in the Inaugural Dr. Margaret Downing Invitational, hosted by Southern Arkansas University. The tournament marked TAMIU's third four-game tournament in just three weeks of action. TAMIU opened the Dr. Margaret Downing Invitational with a 3-2 win over Arkansas-Monticello before falling to Southern Arkansas, Grambling State, and Mississippi College. TAMIU comes into Heartland Conference play with a 2-11 record overall. 

HEARTLAND CONFERENCE OPENER:
Six teams, including TAMIU open Heartland Conference action on Thursday. Lubbock Christian takes on Arkansas Fort-Smith while St. Mary's takes on St. Edward's. 

SCOUTING THE PATRIOTS:
Dallas Baptist enters Thursday's match at 4-5 overall. DBU went 3-1 at the South Central Classic with their loss coming against Ouachita Baptist. The Patriots followed with a 1-2 weekend at the Tiger Invitational, falling to East Central and Henderson State. In their most recent match, DBU fell to #14 Tarleton State 0-3. 

Sidnee Jo Fitzpatrick and Merci Perry pace the Patriots offense. Fitzpatrick leads the team with 80 kills while Perry has accounted for 251 assists. Lauren Nicks has tallied 178 digs and 13 service aces. Fitzpatrick is tied with teammate Katie Nicholson who have both put up 44 blocks on the season. 

TAMIU last faced DBU on October 22, 2017. The Dustdevils fell in 1-3 in Dallas. 

The Dustdevils and Patriots have met 22 times with DBU leading the all-time series 18-4. 

McMANUS NAMED TO ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM:
The Junior led the Dustdevils at the Dr. Margaret Downing Invitational, picking up 45 kills, 29 digs, and a pair of aces. McManus played in 14 sets over four matches.

Head Coach Susie Jangada commented, "Leah brings a lot of energy to our team. She continues to grow and develop in her role with the team. In our last match against Mississippi College, Leah passed the ball really well and we are excited for what she will continue to do." 

DUSTDEVIL LEADERS:
Offensively, the Dustdevils are led by Leah McManus, Ronnie Fountain, and Yuliia Hupkovska while Lacy Asdourian and Panebi Shirey lead the Dustdevils defensively. 

KILLS:         (111)        Leah McManus
ASSISTS:    (339)        Ronnie Fountain
ACES:         (16)          Yuliia Hupkovska
DIGS:          (159)        Lacy Asdourian
BLOCKS:    (22)          Panebi Shirey

UP NEXT:
Following the match with Dallas Baptist, TAMIU will play in a tri-match with St. Edward's and Henderson State. The Dustdevils will take on St. Edward's at 12:00 p.m. before taking on Henderson State at 2:00 p.m.

TAMIU will have one week off before opening the season at home against Lubbock Christian on Saturday, September 30. 

STAY TUNED:
Stay up to date with the Dustdevils all season long by liking or following @TAMIUAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.