LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – In front of one of the biggest crowds of the season at the Ryan Sports Center, the University of Saint Mary volleyball team etched their name in history as they advanced past Dakota State University in three straight sets (25-17, 25-22, 25-18), in the Opening Round of the National Tournament to qualify for a spot at the final site of the National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa.

The Spires now have a program record 30 wins at 30-10 overall on the season.

Saint Mary played close with Dakota State in the first set, but would go on an 11-5 run after leading 12-10, to take a 23-15 lead. Anna Hester would score the final points of the set for the Spires with two kills to give the team the 25-17 win. Saint Mary then opened the second set with an 11-6 lead, which forced a timeout by the Trojans. Dakota State would eventually take the lead, but the Spires connected on a couple kills to regain the momentum. Aly Camacho and Hester each earned a kill as part of a run and USM would win the second set 25-22.

The Spires looked to end things early and jumped out to a 10-3 lead in the third set after three straight kills from Cali Odom and Hana Ronnebaum. Dakota State would trim the lead to two points, but the Spires hung on and rode the momentum to a 25-18 set win.

Hester led the team with 13 kills and Haydan Heuermann had 20 assists and 15 digs. Keishla Reyes added 16 digs.

UP NEXT
The Spires advance to pool play at the NAIA National Tournament in Sioux City, Iowa, which begins on Dec. 3. Opponent is yet to be determined.