HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary volleyball team started the 2019 season at 1-1 after splitting their first two matches at the KCAC Fall Fling on Friday. The Spires fell to Morningside 3-0 (17-25, 25-27, 23-25) and defeated Southwestern Assemblies of God University 3-1 (25-18, 25-13, 30-32, 25-20).
MORNINGSIDE MATCH: Morningside took the first set from the Spires – defeating them 25-17. Saint Mary fell behind early in set two, but climbed back to tie the score at nine after a kill from Cali Odom. The Mustangs went on an 11-7 run to take a 20-16 lead. The Spires however, scored four straight points to tie the score at 20. Both teams would trade points as the teams tied at 24. Morningside was able to score three of the next four points to take a 2-0 match lead.
The third set between the two teams would be another close one. The Spires hung in early with the Mustangs and held a 10-8 lead after a kill from Anna Hester. Saint Mary led 17-15 before Morningside scored four straight to take their second lead of the set.
The Spires would come close down the stretch trailing by one point, but Morningside took the set 25-23.
SAGU: Saint Mary blitzed Southwestern Assemblies of God early. Jessica Malizzi gave the Spires a 13-9 lead in set one and the team eventually sprinted on to a 21-13 lead. Saint Mary avoided a comeback and took the first frame 25-18. In the second set, the teams were neck and neck before the Spires took a 14-10 lead. The Lions' offense sputtered thereafter as Saint Mary took advantage, leading 24-12. A seventh attacking error by SAGU during the run led to the Spires taking a 2-0 match advantage.
In set three, SAGU took an 8-4 lead to open the frame. The Spire would manage to come back and tied the score at 17 in the set later on. The Spires found themselves down late, but chipped away and took the frame to extra services. SAGU would come out on top at the end in a wild 32-30 set. Saint Mary would take control of the fourth set and avoid any let up winning 25-20.
Cody Offerle totaled 19 kills on the day, while Jaylie Thornton had 43 digs. Ashley Van Gieson chipped in 34 assists.
Saint Mary continues play in the KCAC Fall Fling tomorrow with matches at 11 a.m. against Texas Wesleyan University and 5 p.m. against Randall University.
