SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Saints were on the verge of their first win of 2019, leading Academy of Art two sets to none. However, the Urban Knights managed to rally around a strong third set and rolled their way to a five set stunner over the Saints.
Saint Martin's started the match off strong, edging past Art U in the first set 25-22 behind a group effort. The Saints recorded 12 kills with seven different players contributing throughout the set.
In the second set, the Saints fell behind early but were able to find their rhythm in the middle of the set. A 6-2 push at the end helped SMU clinch the set 25-19.
However, out of the break, Art U found their momentum, running past the Saints 25-12.
Saint Martin's once again had Art U on the ropes, leading 22-20 in the fourth set. However, the Urban Knights, with their backs to the wall, found a way to score the set's final five points to force the decisive fifth set.
After a kill by
Kylie Coon to tie the fifth set at 6-6, Art U managed to find the surge needed to secure the victory, rattling off six straight and winning 15-9.
"That one hurt," said head coach
Jon Killingbeck. "We played well for the first two sets and then got out of rhythm with our play. This is one of those loses that drive you to be better."
Gracie Brenner led the team with 12 kills, and managed to dig 19 balls.
Alyssa Bartlett put together a 26 assist, 14 digs, and two ace performance.
Britney Duvall ended the match with 11 kills, .333 hitting percentage, and two blocks.
Kylie Alos continued her impressive start to the season with 29 digs and six assists.
Saint Martin's wraps up the Division-II West Region Volleyball Showcase with a match against Concordia Irvine on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Live stats and video will be available on smusaints.com.
