Match #15
Saint Mary's Gaels (4-10, WCC 0-4) vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (6-10, WCC 0-4)
Thursday, October 6, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. 
Spokane, Wash. — McCarthey Athletic Center
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Match #16
Saint Mary's Gaels (4-10, WCC 0-4) vs. Portland Pilots (8-7, WCC 0-4)
Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Noon. 
Portland, Ore. — Chiles Center
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MORAGA, Calif. – The Gaels will travel to the Pacific Northwest this week to take on conference rivals the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Portland Pilots.

SCOUTING REPORT
Saint Mary's put up a fight last week but ultimately could not overcome a number of strong WCC opponents. The Gaels dropped three games last week; Santa Clara, USD, BYU. The Cougars and the Toreros are No. 1 and No. 2 in the conference respectively and are the only undefeated teams in the WCC. The Gaels made their way into the rankings this week as they are fourth in the conference in blocks per set (2.10). Senior Alexsa "Crash" Parker is ranked second in the WCC and 28th in the nation in aces per set (0.48) and sixth in the conference in total service aces (22). SMC is also ranked fifth in the conference in RPI (103).

Senior Sienna Young was a standout last week as she recorded a number of impressive stats over the course of the week. Young played in all nine sets and collected 26 kills including 13, just two shy of her season-high, in the match against BYU which led the team. She is third on the team behind sophomore Breyan Ashley and freshman Elena Baka with 105 kills with an average of 2.10 kills per set. She recorded five block assists over the three matches and she is now third on the team with 22.

Sophomore Selbie Christensen had a strong performance in the match against BYU on Saturday where she recorded a season-high, six kills and tied for the highest hitting percentage (.357) on the team. She also collected two block assists which was second best on the team behind sophomore Jennifer "Boo" Laird (3). 

GONZAGA
The Bulldogs had a strong start to their season after going 4-0, but have since hit a rough patch as they have dropped their last nine matches. Gonzaga opened the year with three sweeps in their first four games and their last win was a sweep of New Mexico on September 13. The Bulldogs have been swept in their last six matches, including by four conference opponents (BYU, USD, LMU, Pepperdine). Gonzaga is one of the four West Coast Conference teams that does not have a win thus far. The Bulldogs are returning to their home court this week after spending a week on the road and they have a home record of 2-3 this season. Last year, the Bulldogs and the Gaels split their two matches with SMC sweeping Gonzaga at home and the Bulldogs beating the Gaels 3-1 in their second matchup.

PORTLAND
Portland has started with a record of 8-7, but they have also struggled as of late and are on a five-game skid. The Pilots started strong with three wins at the New Mexico State Invitational in mid-September, but they have not seen a win since September 19. Portland is also 0-4 in conference play with a loss to Pepperdine and three sweeps by BYU, LMU and USD. The Pilots will face Pacific on Thursday prior to their match against SMC. Portland spent last week on the road but will be return to Chiles Center, where they have a 2-4 record, for their matches against Pacific and Saint Mary's. The Gaels won both of the matches last season against the Pilots (3-1 and 3-2 respectively). 
 
#GaelsRise –  For ticket information to all home volleyball games, call the SMC Ticket Office today at 925-631-4689 or click here to purchase tickets.