CONWAY, Ark. -- UT Tyler opened the 2011 season going  3-1 at the Hendrix Warrior Invitational over the weekend, marking the best start by a Patriots’ volleyball team since 2008.

Senior outside hitter Danika Waldrep led the Patriots with 66 kills in the four games, including 30 kills against Williams Baptist to set a new school record.

In the first match, the Patriots swept Central Baptist, 25-14, 25-15, 25-11. Waldrep led the team with 12 kills, while freshman Emily Wood posted 15 digs and five service aces.

UT Tyler lost its next match against Williams Baptist in five sets by scores of 19-25, 25-23, 25-19, 19-24, and 18-20.  Wood recorded 30 digs in the losing effort in support of Waldrep’s record breaking match.

The Patriots rebounded from the loss by sweeping LeTourneau, 25-11, 25-15, 25-22.  Freshman setter Madison Kosir recorded 29 assists and freshman Stacey Wilson finished with a 33-percent kill mark.

UT Tyler wrapped-up the tournament by knocking-off host Hendrix, 3-1. The Patriots lost the first set, 15-25, but rebounded to win the remaining sets, all by scores of 25-12. UT Tyler recorded 52 kills in the match, with Kosir and Waldrep leading the way with 15 and 14 kills each.

The Patriots continue on their road trip as they open up ASC play in Belton on Tuesday night against Mary Hardin-Baylor.