Oct. 31, 2003

Box Score

Moraga, CA- The Saint Mary's women's volleyball team lost a heartbreaking match to No. 5-ranked Pepperdine by the final score of 3-0. Game scores of the Waves victory over the Gaels were 31-29, 30-25, and 30-27. With the loss Saint Mary's fell to 16-10 overall on the season and 2-6 in WCC play, while Pepperdine improves to 18-2 on the season an a perfect 8-0 in WCC action.

In every game the Gaels consistently challenged the Waves both offensively and defensively. Unfortunately, Pepperdine exhibited a balanced attack and unified defense that eventually outlasted the Gaels. The Waves were pushed to the limit in game one by the Gaels as Saint Mary's led 23-20. However, Pepperdine countered Saint Mary's attack with a solid defense and eventually claimed game one by a score of 31-29. In game two, Saint Mary's struggled to a .107 hitting percentage, while the Waves produced a game two hitting percentage of .260. In game three, the Gaels showed tremendous heart by coming back from several points down (14-18), but were ultimately defeated by the Waves in a close game 30-27.

Leading the offensive attack on the evening for Saint Mary's was Jill Parmele. The senior from Acampo, CA totaled a match-high 16 kills against the Waves. Parmele also recorded nine digs, three block assists, and one assists. For the match, the senior finished with .229 hitting percentage to lead the Gaels. Also contributing for the Gaels was sophomore Kaui Salzman. The outside hitter was second on the team with a total of 10 kills and also posted eight digs and two block assists.

Defensively, the Gaels were anchored by 2002 All-WCC Honorable Mention honoree Stacey O'Connor. The middle blocker posted tied a match-high with six block assists. O'Connor also contributed four kills and two digs for the match.

Pepperdine was assisted by a total of five players who recorded a double-double. Highlighting the Waces was kaite Wilkins who recorded a total of 11 kills and 11 digs on the match. Setter Melissa Mehlhorn also posted a solid match with a double-double in assists and digs. Mehlhorn totaled 45 assists and 13 digs on the match for the Waves.

The Gaels next match will be tomorrow, Saturday, November 1 against No.13-ranked Loyola Marymount at 7:05 PM in McKeon Pavilion.