SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Saints traveled down to California to take part in the Division-II West Region Volleyball Showcase, facing UC San Diego and Chico State on the first day. Their search for their first win of the 2019 continued after falling in straight sets in both matches.
 
In the opener against UC San Diego, the Saints used an early 6-1 run to take control. However, the Tritons quickly bounced back and used an 8-0 stretch to take it 25-15.
 
Saint Martin's offense came alive in the second set, recording 12 kills and hitting .304 as a team. Despite the turnaround, UC San Diego survived the attack and took the second set 25-20. In the finale, the Tritons controlled the set from start to finish en route to the 25-18 match winning mark.
 
"Give credit to UCSD, their upperclassmen did well for them today," said head coach Jon Killingbeck. On our side, our offense did much better. We have a lot to work on but we focused on offense this week and so far we are seeing better results."
 
In the second match of the day, Chico State took the first lead at 13-6 before the Saints managed to trim the lead down to three. However, the run was not enough as Chico State survived the set 25-18.
 
The second set went all Chico State, 25-10, setting up the third and final set. Both sides traded blows leading to a 16-16 tie. Chico State managed to rally at the end, taking three of the final four points to squeeze past the Saints at 25-23.
 
"Chico ran a fast offense and it stressed our defense," said Killingbeck. "Offensively, we were able to figure out something in the third set."
 
On the day, Gracie Brenner collected 11 kills, with three blocks, and three digs. Bridgette Bourgouin added eight blocks, one solo, and seven assists, along with five kills. Kylie Coon led the way with her 12 kills, while Alyssa Bartlett ended the day with 25 assists.
 
Saint Martin's continues action tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. against Academy of Art. Live stats and video will be available on smusaints.com.