AUSTIN, Texas – The Concordia University Texas volleyball team knocked off Texas Dallas in a five-set thriller on Friday night at Concordia Fieldhouse. The Tornados won the match by scores of 25-22, 23-25, 21-25, 25-20 and 15-13. It marked just the second win in 14 matches for CTX in the all-time series with the Comets, and first since Oct. 19, 2007.

"The girls played hard," said Concordia Texas first-year head coach Nicole McCoy. "We executed our defense and our transitition game all week in practice and I think that showed tonight."

The Tornados (7-6, 3-2 ASC) received career nights from juniors Zoe Allen and Katie Baker.

Baker hammered home a career-best 21 kills to go along with 18 digs for her sixth double-double of the season. Allen dished out a career-high 55 assists and netted 14 stops to register her fourth double-double.

"Incredible," said Allen about the victory. "It makes a big difference when our serve receive is on and our transition defense is on. If I get passes then I can set all three hitters and keep the defense on its toes."

Allen guided Concordia to a .177 hitting percentage in the match. Sara Hill (15 kills) and Jordan Redmond (11 winners) both went into double figures on the attack. Hill also turned in 13 digs, while Redmond posted a team-high four total blocks (three assists/one solo).

Cassie Dominguez also led all players with 25 digs to anchor a defense that limited Texas Dallas (10-3, 4-1 ASC) to just a .111 hitting percentage.

Facing a 2-1 deficit, the Tornados rallied in the fourth frame. CTX hit .262 and Baker led the way with five kills. The Comets jumped out to a quick 6-3 lead in the set, but Concordia battled back and tied it at 6-all. Following a service error by Texas Dallas, the Tornados never looked back and forced the decisive panel.

In the fifth set, the Comets held an 11-8 advantage before the momentum changed for good.

Concordia won five of the next six points to take a 13-12 lead. After Taylour Toso picked up a kill for UT Dallas, Sara Hill put CTX back on top with a winner of her own. Toso then committed an attack error that ended the contest.

Concordia will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, as the Tornados host Texas-Tyler. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.

NOTES
• Texas Dallas received 15 points in the latest AVCA Top 25 poll.
• CTX head coach Nicole McCoy played one year at Texas Dallas before finishing out her degree at Mary Hardin-Baylor.
• Concordia snapped a two-game skid with the win on Friday night.
• Zoe Allen's 55 assists are the most by any CTX player in the current 25-point rally-scoring era (since 2008).

QUOTES
Nicole McCoy (Concordia Texas Head Coach)
On the key to winning the match ...
"I think our middles came out ready to go, which made them have to respect our middles. It hasn't always been the case this year. Once everyone was on fire they had a hard time stopping us."

On Zoe Allen's performance ...
"Zoe had a fantastic game. She got everyone involved tonight. I'm really proud of her and how she has responded this week."

On Katie Baker's performance ...
"Katie has been accepting a lot of challenges this season. Every game I set goals for her and she has been surpassing all of them."

On the play of the middle hitters ...
"I think our middles have been fighting for that second spot the whole season. I have confidence that when one is not producing that the next one in will make something happen. Emmalee Kohler has been successful when given opportunities, like tonight. I think she is loud and energetic and wants that spot."

On what this win does for the team ...
"It's a big confidence boost. When you get a win against a team like UT Dallas, or win a five-setter, it gives you a lot of confidence."

Katie Baker (Junior Outside Hitter)
On the win ...
"It's been our goal to win on our home court all year. Tonight, we did it. We pulled together as a team and pulled off the win over a good team."
 
On her performance ...
"I think what helped me tonight was staying focused and tuning everything out. I focused on my game and my team."