MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's put an exclamation mark on the end of their non-conference schedule, sweeping Cal for the first time since 1998. Their 3-0 victory extended their winning streak to seven games.

HOW IT HAPPENED

 • The Gaels got off to a hot start in the first set, taking six of the first eight points. SMC remained dominant throughout, never allowing the Bears to win more than two-consecutive points. As the opening set came to a close, the Gaels continued to dominate, taking eight of the last 11 points.
 
• The Bears kept it close to open the second set as after 14 points, the score was knotted 7-7. However, SMC won six of the next eight points to build themselves a 4-point cushion. As the set continued on, both sides traded points until Cal went on a late, 4-point run to take a 23-22 lead (their first lead of the match). With their backs against the wall, the Gaels took three straight points to win the set, taking a 2-0 lead.
 
• Cal got off to a good start to begin the third set, putting SMC into an 8-3 hole. The Bears remained in the lead until a kill by senior Lindsey Calvin gave the Gaels a 12-11 lead. Saint Mary's held the lead the rest of the way and eventually took the third set by the score of 25-20.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
 
The victory was an all-around effort as junior Alex O'Sullivan (.615 hitting percentage), Calvin (.278), and senior Lindsey Knudsen (.269) each recorded nine kills. Knudsen was also an effective server, registering a game and season-high, four service aces.

QUOTABLE

"We controlled the match from beginning to end," said head coach Rob Browning. "Our team asserted themselves right off the bat and never let up. Cal made a good run in the 2nd set, and our passing got a little shaky, but we regained our confidence and executed to finish it off. I am so proud of our team, and especially happy for our seniors. They have worked so hard to put themselves in a position to beat teams like Utah and Cal."


UP NEXT

Now with seven-straight wins under their belt, the Gaels head into West Coast Conference play. They will play a pair of road matches next week which will include stops at San Diego and No. 1 BYU.

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