LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary volleyball team split their home Tri-Match Wednesday night, inside Ryan Sports Center. The Spires defeated Saint Louis College of Pharmacy in four sets, before losing a hard fought battle to Graceland University in five frames.
The Spires are now 3-3 on the season.
GAME FLOW (Saint Louis Pharmacy)
The Spires jumped out to a big 16-4 lead in the first set and cruised to a 25-13 first set win. Saint Mary continued their dominance starting the second set with a big lead – taking a 20-7 advantage. The Spires would seal the set 25-13 after a Eutectics' error.
Saint Mary would fall in the third set 25-20, but rebounded in the fourth set. The Spires once again built a huge lead at 22-7, and ended the match with a kill from Cody Offerle and error by Saint Louis Pharmacy.
GAME FLOW (Graceland)
Graceland hung around in the first set with Saint Mary, but the Spires would clinch set one with a 25-18 decision. After winning set two 25-15, the Spires held a 2-0 advantage. Graceland would take the third set 25-17.
Saint Mary faced a tough battle in the fourth set against the Yellow Jackets with the score tied at 20. Graceland would win the set 25-22 – scoring five of the last seven points. With the match going to the fifth and final frame, Saint Mary fell behind 10-5. Two straight points by the Spires cut the deficit to three, but Graceland would take the set 15-8.
KEY STATISTICS
- Lexi Schamberger posted a team high nine kills against the Eutectics. Offerle led the Spires with 11 kills against Graceland.
- Bailey Wright had a team high 32 assists on the night.
- Katy Koepke had a team leading 41 digs.
- Offerle led Saint Mary with four service aces.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
Saint Mary travels to Seward, Neb. to face Benedictine College and Valley City State University on Saturday. The Spires will be in action at 1 and 3 p.m.
