OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Saint Martin's Volleyball team lost its home match against No. 23 Central Washington in three sets at Evergreen State College on Sunday, September 28.
The Saints came within three points in two of the three sets, but the Wildcats ultimately prevailed in straight sets. The loss dropped the Saints' record to 5-8 overall and 1-4 in GNAC play.
How It Happened
- The first set was neck-and-neck, as Central Washington hit .353 and Saint Martin's hit .206. The Saints led early by as much as three points, but the teams played out an 11-11 tie midway through. A 4-1 run late in the set put the Saints ahead 19-16, before the Wildcats answered with a 4-0 run of their own — the run extended to 7-1, putting Central ahead 23-20. Saint Martin's clawed back to within 24-23 off a service ace from Naomi Rainwater, but Central Washington closed out the frame on a kill from Hayli Tri that clinched the first frame.
- In the second set, Central jumped out to an 8-1 lead, and later pushed ahead 18-7 midway through. The Wildcats' lead extended to upwards of 12 points, before a late rally helped the Saints pull within six (24-18). However, Central won the final point to clinch a 25-18 victory and pull ahead 2-0 in the match.
- After Central pulled ahead 4-3 early, Saint Martin's embarked on a 6-0 run to take a 9-4 lead and force a Wildcats timeout. The Saints led 16-13 midway through the set, before a 5-1 run by CWU put the Wildcats ahead 18-17. Central closed out the third set on a 6-3 run and won the final point on a kill by Kailey Willsey, winning the match in three sets.
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Up Next
The Saints will hit the road, facing Simon Fraser on Oct. 1 and Western Washington on Oct. 3.
