BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary volleyball team nearly swept their matches on Friday at the Baker University Invitational. The Spires swept Graceland University 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-15) before falling 3-2 (21-25, 22-25, 25-12, 25-18, 13-15) to the Wildcats, despite making a comeback.

Saint Mary is now 7-4 overall on the season.

GRACELAND MATCH: The Spires did not face much of a challenge against Graceland as they won in straight sets. In the first set, the Spires held a 20-17 lead before eventually running away with a 25-19 win. Saint Mary dominated set two jumping out to a 10-3 lead and continued to pace past the Yellow Jackets with a 25-16 set two decision.

The third set was not much different as the Spires came out with a 7-3 lead. Hana Ronnebaum added two straight kills to make it 9-3 and the Spires would lead by 10 at one point – 19-9 before winning the set 25-16.

Ronnebaum added 10 kills for the Spires, while Haydan Heueremann had a team high 22 assists. Jessica Malizzi added 15 digs on defense.

BAKER: The nightcap for the Spires was a slugfest from the get go. Baker would narrowly grab the first two sets by scores of 25-21 and 25-22 – both sets coming with a three point lead toward the end. Saint Mary however, bounced back in the third and fourth sets with decisive 25-12 and 25-18 scores.

In the final set of the night, both teams traded points. The set would see eight ties with the Spires clinging to a 12-11 lead. Baker however, was able to score four of the next five points to secure the win.

Anna Hester and Cali Odom each totaled 14 kills, while Ashley Van Gieson added a season high 30 assists. Malizzi and Keishla Reyes totaled 18 digs a piece.

Saint Mary continues play in the Invitational tomorrow with matches at 1 and 7 p.m. against College of Saint Mary (Neb.) and Missouri Valley College.