HUNTSVILLE, Texas - The Drake University volleyball team opened its 2018 season with a 3-0 sweep of Sam Houston State University in its first of three matches at the Sam Houston State Tournament Friday evening.

The Bulldogs (1-0) prevailed by set scores of 26-24, 31-29 and 25-20 to collect the season-opening win. Junior Elle Tubbs (Clinton, Iowa) helped pace the Bulldogs with eight kills on 15 attempts while adding five blocks. Her partner in the middle Natalie Fry (Allen, Texas) added six blocks with four kills.

Drake senior Grace Schofield (Mundelein, Ill.) led all players with 11 kills while adding seven digs and four blocks. The Bulldogs' defense limited SHSU to just .093 hitting in the victory.

Drake faced a 24-22 deficit in the first set before rattling off four-straight points including two kills from Schofield to win the set, 26-24. The second set was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than three points at any time and 11 ties before the Bulldogs pulled away for the 31-29 win.

The Bulldogs trailed early in the third set before rallying to take a lead they would not relinquish thanks to a 9-2 run that easily put them in control en route to the 25-20 win to earn the three-set sweep over the Bearkats.

Drake continues play at the Sam Houston State Tournament Saturday morning with a 9:30 a.m. match against Bethune-Cookman. The Bulldogs conclude the day with an afternoon contest at 3:30 p.m. contest against Texas Southern.