Hutchinson, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Volleyball team played against the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes Saturday for the KCAC Tournament Championship, losing in five sets to conclude their season. Saint Mary finishes the season with an overall record of 22-13, winning their last six straight games to get to the championship.

Ainsley Gardner started things off strong for the Spires scoring their first three points. As the set continued, Saint Mary kept up the offensive production and soon had a five-point 20-15 lead over the Coyotes. Kansas Wesleyan tried to get back in the game but kills from Michelle Dvorak, and Devyn Ford closed things out for the Spires in set one, winning 25-19. Saint Mary once again took an early lead in set two, but this time Kansas Wesleyan kept things closer. The Spires held onto a two-point lead throughout most of the set, but a late scoring run by the Coyotes gave them the win in set two, tying the match at 1-1.

Set two was won comfortably by Saint Mary, a service ace from Emma Prothe gave the Spires a seven-point lead. Errors by the Coyotes and kills from Ford and Rylee Kenitzer helped Saint mary build their lead in the later part of the set. The Spires continued to press offensively and finished set three with a 25-12 win, taking a 2-1 lead in the match. Kansas Wesleyan had their first quick start of the game in set four, jumping out to an early 12 -8 lead over Saint Mary. The Spires slowly chipped away, and after a kill from Gardner, found themselves down just one point. Saint Mary worked hard to take the lead late in the set but was unable to and lost 25-22.

The fifth and final set was another close battle, with the Spires taking a four-point 10-6 lead. However, the Coyotes went on a late scoring run and beat Saint Mary 15-12 to win the match. Gardner had 23 kills, while Haydan Heuermann had a season-high 63 assists on the day.