LACEY, Wash. – Making his NCAA coaching debut, Dan Behnke and the Saints' volleyball program made history on Tuesday by knocking off Seattle Pacific in a doubleheader split.
 
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Saints (1-1) were able to defeat their rivals from up north, Seattle Pacific (3-1). After dropping the opening two sets, the Saints rallied to upset the Falcons in five sets. Saint Martin's nearly completed the sweep, going five more sets before ultimately falling. Kylie Coon led the way with her 26 kills, while Mackenzie Carter added 23 kills, and five aces to power the Saints' offense.
 
It was all Seattle Pacific in the opening set, jumping out to a 17-to-3 lead. However, the Saints managed to build some momentum by the end, outscoring SPU 14-to-7.
 
Saint Martin's held a lead over a majority of the second set, but a late run for the Falcons clinched the set to a tune of 25-to-19.
 
With their backs against the wall, the Saints responded with force, taking the third set 25-to-18, and forced a fifth set with a 25-to-22 fourth set win.
 
In the closing set, Emily Gooding delivered three kills in the opening rallies and put SMU on top 6-to-2. Seattle Pacific managed to tie it up at 8-to-8 until Carter connected on three kills and Giselle Benetti's ace helped clinch the historical win 15-to-12.
 
In the second match, Saint Martin's rattled off their fourth straight set win, taking the opener 25-to-19. Seattle Pacific broke the run by taking the second set 25-to-18 and tying the score heading into the break.
 
The Saints once again pushed the Falcons to near elimination, winning the third set 25-to-19. But the Falcons found ways to adjust and salvage a doubleheader split against Saint Martin's by taking the fourth set 25-to-18, and the final set 15-to-9.
 
On the night, Emily Gooding and Maddy Gooding combined for 27 kills, and 11 blocks. Gracie Brenner ended the night with 10 kills, and six blocks. Setters Analise Hitchcock and Zoe Balagot combined for 81 assists, and 22 digs.
 
Saint Martin's hosts Alaska Anchorage next on March, 19 at home. Live stats and streaming of the event will be available on smusaints.com.