LINDSBORG, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary fell in both of their matches to open the 2020 season today. The Spires came up short to Avila University falling in four sets before battling Bethany College and nearly defeating the Swedes in five frames.

Saint Mary is 0-2 overall and 0-2 in the KCAC this season.

AVILA MATCH
The Spires took on Avila in their first match of the season today falling in four sets to the Eagles. Saint Mary had a tight battle in the first set with Avila taking the eventual winning point at 26-24. The Spires then faced an uphill battle in set two before falling in the second frame, 25-8.

The Spires grabbed some momentum in the third set and defeated the Eagles by double-digits, 25-13. With a 2-1 deficit the Spires tried to make a comeback in the fourth set, but Avila was able to hold off a rally as they took the final set by a score of 25-16.

Jaycee Mack led the team with 11 kills, Haydan Heuermann had 28 assists and Bailey Chintala recorded 14 digs.

BETHANY MATCH
Saint Mary had another long battle in their second match of the day. In the first set against Bethany, the Spires would narrowly defeat the Swedes by a score of 25-21. Saint Mary would take a 2-0 match lead after handling the Swedes 25-19.

Bethany climbed back however, taking the next two sets by scores of 25-20 and 25-11 to force a fifth set. The match would come down to the wire in the end where USM fell just short, 18-16 as the Swedes took the match.

Hana Ronnebaum led the Spires with 12 kills and Heuermann tallied a career high 39 assists. Chintala had a team leading 16 digs, while Laney Ward had 14 and Emma Prothe added 10.

UP NEXT
Saint Mary will host Tabor College on Oct. 23 inside the Ryan Sports Center. Time for the match is currently TBA.