LACEY, WA — Saint Martin's Volleyball defeated Northwest Nazarene in an instant classic Thursday evening to start Great Northwest Athletic Conference competition with a win.
The Saints started hot out of the gate by taking a 15-5 lead in the first set with an oppressive offensive attack from outside hitters Emmy Hansen and Emily Garten, who combined for 24 total kills in the match. A late effort by the Nighthawks would pull them closer, but the Saints convincingly shut them down by claiming the set 25-13. Northwest Nazarene quickly shrugged off their struggles from the first set, however, as they gained momentum early in the second set. Both teams traded blows through the middle of the set with junior opposite hitter Zoey Crimin contributing multiple kills to keep the Saints in it, but the Nighthawks would ultimately claim the second set 25-19. NNU kept their hot streak going into the third set, taking the lead in the match after a convincing 25-16 win.
In set four, a reinvigorated Saints squad replicated their dominant beginning to the match, as Aundrea Oxentine and Madison Thomas contributed kills to push the team out to a 13-2 lead. Hansen and Garten continued to rack up points for the Saints with Kingsley Mason getting in on the attack, ultimately resulting in a 25-16 set win. Northwest Nazarene would steal the momentum right back in the fifth and final set by gaining an 8-4 upper hand. After switching sides, the Nighthawks grew their lead to 12-7 before the Saints would be forced to take a timeout. The break is just what Saint Martin's needed to refocus, as a combination of kills from Garten, Mason, and senior middle blocker Jennifer Soha, along with multiple Northwest Nazarene errors would result in the Saints storming back to take a 14-12 lead. The Nighthawks would manage another point, but an Emily Garten kill would seal the victory for the Saints in the fifth set, 15-13.
Tiffany Lam was a major contributor in both phases of the game with 22 assists and 14 digs on the evening, many of which occurred during crucial moments throughout the match. Jennifer Soha and Kingsley Mason would account for nine kills a piece, with Soha also leading the team in blocks (5.5). Abigail Halstead and Mia Arambula stayed busy all match long, combining for 14 digs and five assists at the libero position. Daniela Gonzalez and Kamara White would also see playing time, with White unfortunately leaving the game early due to injury.
Saints Volleyball will be back in action on Saturday, September 21, at 1:00 PM as they take on Central Washington University. Tickets for the contest are available here.
