Dexter towers over Richland

Dexter's Jessica Satterfield (7) deliver's a tip over the net as teammate Cathryn Heil (11) looks on in Monday's volleyball match against Richland. (Photos by Josh Mills, Staff)

Cathryn Heil and Jessica Satterfield combined for 17 kills against the Lady Rebels

DEXTER -- The Dexter Lady Bearcats volleyball team improved to 3-0 on the season by defeating the Richland Lady Rebels Monday evening in two games by scores of 25-8 and 25-13.

The Lady Rebels jumped out early in the first game but Dexter's squad came rolling back into the game and eventually took control and never looked back.

In the second game it was the Lady Bearcats that got off to a quick start, and it appeared as it they had the entire match in the bag.

However, the visiting Lady Rebels weren't ready to give up just yet and they strung together a few consecutive points to put Dexter back against the wall.

Cathryn Heil then put together her own run as she served up several consecutive points for the Lady Bearcats.

Cathryn Heil delivers a shot across the net for the Dexter Lady Bearcats on Monday afternoon. Dexter defeated the Lady Rebels in two straight games.

Jessica Satterfield and Elisha Flanigan aided their team by digging out second attempts from the Lady Rebels before Dexter finally put their opponents away 25-13.

"I am proud of the way that the girls played as a team tonight," said Dexter head coach Kris Vandeven following the match. "The girls started out a bit nervous in front of our home crowd, but they pulled together and started playing their game. They served aggressively and put the ball away."

Heil and Satterfield carried a bulk of the load as they combined for 17 kills in the win. Heil finished with eight kills, three aces and seven assists while Satterfield wrapped up the evening with nine kills, two aces, three digs and four assists.

Brittany Bedford also had three aces, one dig and one assist.

Richland head coach Crystal Hitt said that the Lady Rebels have a tough time with Dexter each time they play.

"We did not show up tonight," said Hitt. "The thing with Richland is that they don't show up when the name Dexter pops up. We did some good things and we did some bad things. Our defense finally stepped it up in the end."

Up next for Richland is a home match with Puxico Thursday evening while the next opponent on Dexter's schedule is Cape Central tonight, at home with junior varsity beginning at 6 p.m. Varsity action will follow.