Leavenworth, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary volleyball team took on OKWU in the Ryan Center on Friday evening. The Spires defeated the Eagles in three sets 3-0.

The Spires now sit at 4-9 overall and 4-9 in the KCAC.

The first set was a back and forth match up as each team fought for an advantage. The Spires led the first set most of the time before giving the Eagles their first lead of the set, 23-22. The Spires were able to reset and come back to win the set, 25-23.

In the second set both teams traded points to start things off. The Spires were able to get hot and pick up their biggest lead of the night, 17-10. The Eagles tried to find their offense, but were only able to score nine more points to lose the second set, 25-19.

Beginning the third set, the Eagles played to keep the match alive and force a fourth set. The Eagles came out firing, playing hard to continue the game and even had a respectable lead of 15-13. The Spires did not give up and continued to come at the Eagles. The Spires were able to gain their biggest lead of the third set thanks to a kill by Hannah Vanriette assisted by Haydan Heuermann, 23-20. The Eagles did not give up just yet and tied the game all up, 23-23. The Spires continued to push offensively and thanks to a clutch kill by Jessica Malizzi and service ace by Keishla Reyes the Spires defeated OKWU, 26-24.

Rylee Kenitzer led the team with 14 kills while Heuermann added 32 assists and Reyes had 17 digs.

UP NEXT
Saint Mary is scheduled to play Bethany and Avila University at the Ryan Sports Center Saturday, March 13 with the action beginning at 1 p.m.