WINFIELD, Kan. – Facing deficits in each set today, the University of Saint Mary volleyball team was able to fight through the adversity and sweep Southwestern College, 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 28-26) on the road.

The Spires are now 14-10 overall and 5-1 in the KCAC on the season. The Spires hold sole possession of third place in the conference, one half game ahead of Ottawa University.

GAME FLOW
Saint Mary was behind late in the first set at 22-18, but pulled off four straight points to tie the score at 22 – led by two kills from Cody Offerle and one kill by Bianca Asheim. Both teams would trade points after that before the Spires took the set 25-23.

Saint Mary would break a 9-9 tie in the second set with an attacking error by the Moundbuilders, which ignited five straight points to help the Spires to a 14-9 lead. Southwestern would cut the deficit to two at 18-16, but the Spires picked up the pace and closed the frame on a 7-2 run. Devyn Colvin picked up a kill during the run, while the Spires took advantage of mistakes by Southwestern.

Southwestern would jump out to a 5-0 lead in the third set, but the Spires climbed back to take a lead – scoring eight straight points. Ashley Van Gieson had two kills and Cody Offerle served up two aces on the run. Later in the set, the Spires would find themselves down 24-21. However, the Spires were able to fight off the Mound builders and eventually win during the tiebreak, 28-26.

KEY STATISTICS

• Offerle led the Spires with 13 kills, while Cali Odom, Asheim and Van Gieson had six.
• Bailey Wright (16) and Van Gieson (14) combined for 30 assists.
• Angela Wade had a team high 15 digs.
• Offerle had a team high .407 hitting percentage.
• Van Gieson posted three solo blocks.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
The Spires will return to Ryan Sports Center on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. first serve against Tabor College.