FAIRBANKS, AK — The Saints (4-8, 2-2 GNAC) rounded out their weekend in Alaska with a win over the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Saturday, September 28 at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium.

The first set started as a continual battle, as Alaska Fairbanks started the match hot. In the first set, outside hitters Emily Garten, Emmy Hansen, and opposite hitter Zoey Crimin contributed multiple kills. Though the Saints clawed back in it towards the end, they would fall short and lose the first set 25-21.

The Saints would open up the second set with some errors, but they would quickly find their rhythm and start to heat up. The Saints would take the second set 25-18 off the back of an impressive defensive and supportive effort from Tiffany Lam, who would end the day with 24 assists and nine digs. Aundrea Oxentine would follow closely behind with 19 of her own assists and eight digs.

SMU brought their second-set momentum into the third as Jennifer Soha opened the set with an impressive kill to keep the Saints rolling. Garten would lead the charge on a five-point scoring run which would turn into a 17-10 lead in favor of the Saints. Alaska Fairbanks would fight back, but the Saints would capitalize on Nanook errors and ultimately claim the third set 25-21. 

The fourth set would begin with multiple back-and-forth sequences with Saint Martin's wanting to close the game out while Fairbanks would continue to fight for a fifth set. The Saints would take a 14-13 lead before going on a crucial four-point scoring run to start to separate from the Nanooks. UAF would claw back towards the end of the set, but kills by Soha and Kingsley Mason would seal the set and match victory for the Saints, 25-21.

Garten stood out as a key contributor, as her 13 kills, 14 digs, three aces, and 16 total points would lead the way for the Saints' offensive efforts. Hansen would contribute 13 kills and 11 digs on the day, Soha close behind at 11 kills and nine digs, and Crimin would contribute 10 of her own kills to the mix. Soha would also finish the contest with an impressive .375 attack percentage. The duo of Abigail Halstead and Mia Arambula would combine for 22 digs on the day and contribute two assists a piece.

The Saints take on the Western Washington Vikings at home on Thursday, October 3 at 7:00 PM. Get tickets here.