Box Score MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's traveled north on Saturday to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs in a tough match. The Gaels came out strong and won the first set, but ultimately fell in four sets to the Zags.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• SET ONE | On Saturday afternoon, the Gaels and the Bulldogs went back and forth for most of the first period. The two teams spent most of the time tied, but Saint Mary's turned up the heat late in the set and pulled out to a five-point lead over the Zags. The Gaels carried that momentum through the remainder of the set and won 25-21, after out-hitting the Zags .234 to .128.
• SET TWO | The Zags gained a 5-0 lead at the beginning of the second period and held a 7-point lead for most of the set. The Gaels kept fighting and with a late surge they brought the score back within three points. However, Saint Mary's couldn't convert on the final points of the set and Gonzaga won 25-21.
• SET THREE | The two teams traded points through the first portion of the set, keeping the score within one or two points. Gonzaga took advantage of some key runs during the remainder of the period and gained a steady lead over the Gaels. After a couple of marathon rallies, the Bulldogs took the 25-17 win over Saint Mary's.
• SET FOUR | Saint Mary's and Gonzaga went back and forth in the beginning portion of the fourth set. The Gaels got out to a 5-point lead shortly after but the Zags went on a run and tied the match at 14-14. The two teams continued to go point-for-point until the Bulldogs went on a short run and gained a 7-point lead over the Gaels. Saint Mary's then went on a run of their own to bring the score within four points, but Gonzaga took the final set 25-20 and won the match three sets to one.
QUOTABLE
"Gonzaga played a very good match today, especially after the first set," said coach Rob Browning. "They stepped up their game and we simply didn't respond with enough to counter that. They served and passed better than us and that was the biggest difference."
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
UP NEXT
The Gaels will return home next week for their final regular season matches of the year. Saint Mary's will host BYU on Thursday at 7 p.m. and then San Diego on Saturday at 1 p.m.
#GaelsRise – For ticket information to all home volleyball matches, call the SMC Ticket Office today at 925-631-4689 or click the ticket link here to purchase your seats now.
