Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Volleyball team hosted Columbia College for their home opener Tuesday night, winning in four sets 25-16, 19-25, 25-22, and 25-19.
The Spires started fast, taking an early lead after a four-point run and making the score 10-6. As the first set continued, Columbia would remain close behind, with Saint Mary holding on to a three-point lead. The Cougars made a late charge, but could not keep up with the Spires' offensive production, and Saint Mary took set one 25-20.
The Cougars bounced back in set two, took the lead, and did not look back. The Spires worked hard to keep up with Columbia, going on a few small runs, one three-point run began with a kill from sophomore Madison Folsom. Even with these runs, Saint Mary was unable to mount a comeback against a determined Columbia squad. The Spires dropped the set after a five-point run that secured the win for the Cougars and tied the score up 1-1 to begin the third period.
In set three, the Spires got back into their comfort zone with a 9-5 lead after a Keagan Shockley block. Columbia hung around, keeping up the attack, and on two separate occasions came within two points of Saint Mary. The resilience of the Spires showed during the third, with their lead fluctuating in the later stages of the set, holding just a 23-22 lead Saint Mary closed out the set, winning 25-22.
Both teams went back and forth to begin what would be the final set of the night. However, Saint Mary would settle into a comfortable eight-point lead after a 7-1 run that started with a kill from Ainsley Gardner. After the extended run, the Spires had an 18-10 lead. Saint Mary would cruise through the back half of the final set, and a late three-point run by the Cougars was halted by a kill from Rylee Kenitzer and ended the match with the Spires winning 3-1. Haydan Heuermann led the Spires with 21 assists, while Gardner and Kenitzer each had eight kills on the day.
Up Next
The Spires will travel to Sioux City, Iowa, this weekend for the CSM Labor Day Tournament. On Friday they play against Briar Cliff University at 11 a.m. and (2) University of Jamestown at 3 p.m.
