BILLINGS, Mont. – Opening Day for the Saints could not have gone any better, taking both matches against MSU Moorhead and South Dakota Mines.
 
For the first time since September 1, 2018, the Saints (2-0) swept their opponent, defeating the Dragons (0-1) in straight sets 25-16, 25-20, 25-20. In the second match-up, the Saints dropped the opening set 22-25 before rallying to win an epic 29-27 second set, and followed up with a 25-21, and 25-18 decisive victory.
 
It didn't take long for true freshman Tia Allen, who was the 2019 Washington 3A State Player of the Year, to make an impact at the Division-II level. In the opening match, Allen led the way with nine kills, along with a team-leading 16 digs, and three aces. Saint Martin's had 11 aces, highlighted by Allen's Analise Hitchcock, and Mahina Pescaia's three aces apiece.
 
The Saints' backline of Kylie Alos and Giselle Benetti combined for 23 digs and helped limit the Dragons' offense to only 28 kills on 106 swings for a .075 hitting percentage.
 
In the afternoon match, Saint Martin's fell behind after the first set but found their rhythm in the second set. An 8-to-2 run in the middle of the second set looked like SMU was going to run away with it, but Mines had different ideas. Despite the Saints' holding set point at 24-20, the match was tied by 25-25. SMU closed out the set on kills from Allen, and Emily Gooding to tie the match.
 
South Dakota Mines held a 17-to-12 lead in the third set, but the Saints regrouped and ended the set on a 13-to-4 run to take the lead in the match. Allen accounted for four of the Saints' six kills down the stretch.
 
Saint Martin's cruised in the final set, leading most of the way, and clinching their second win of the day.
 
Allen posted another double-double with 12 kills, and 11 digs. Alos finished with 26 digs and was one of five Saints with 10 digs or more in the match. Benetti added 18 digs of her own. Analise Hitchcock powered the Saints' offense with 33 assists, along with 12 digs.
 
Saint Martin's resumes action at 7:00 AM tomorrow against Black Hills State, before finishing with Bemidji State at 3:00 PM. Live stats and video of the matches can be found on smusaints.com.