The Dallas Belles were one of six teams in the Major League Volleyball franchise.
[1] The league began in 1987 and ended short of completing a full season in 1989.
The level of play was highly competitive (above that of even the best Division I college teams) and fast paced and utilized either a 5-1 and 6-2 offense.
Dallas Belles' Roster: Lisa Franco (DS) Heather Hafner (OH) Ruth Lawanson (S/OH) Sheryl Joseph-Moore (OH) Laurel Brassey Kessel (S/OH) Patty Dowdell (MB) Penny Lucas Claudia Lee (DS) Ellen Crandall Orner (MB) Paula Rideau Kori Pulaski Head Coach, Ruth N. Nelson and former head coach at George Williams College (1970-1972); University of Houston (1973-1981); Louisiana State University (1981-1985) and the University of Iowa (1989-1991) The Dallas Belles were the only team in the league to utilize a 6-2 offense, with Ruth Lawanson and Laurel Brassey-Kessel setting the offense.
Both Lawanson and Kessel would later go on to repeat performances with the U.S. National Team to play in the 1992 and 1996 Olympics respectively.