BOISE, Idaho — The 2022 indoor volleyball season began for Saint Mary's, as the Gaels went north to take on Boise State in the first of two matches over the weekend. A new-look Gaels roster was certainly tested in the opener, but had pockets of play that was very competitive. Still, it resulted in a 3-0 defeat to the Broncos with scores of 25-15, 25-14, and 25-20
 
BIG IN THE MIDDLE
While the stats might not show it, the Gaels middle blockers put on a good performance in the season opener. One of the first points of the 2022 season came from newcomer Kjersti Strong, who rejected an attack from the Broncos with authority in the middle for the first block of the season. Megan Chandler Allred was also solid in the opening sets, leading the team in kills after the first set with three in the opening stanza. The Gaels have traditionally been strong at the net under head coach Rob Browning, and that appears to be the case again this season.
 
BIG RUN
The Gaels were on the verge of a quick sweep, but they made things very interesting in the final set. At one point, the Broncos were up 22-13, but SMC came back to make the Broncos walk the tightrope. Saint Mary's scored the next four points, and seven of the next eight points, to close the deficit to 23-20. Boise State was getting a bit sloppy on their attacks, but the Gaels used kills from Strong and Ashley Reed to claw their way back into contention. Despite losing the final two points, the Gaels should be pleased with the fight they showed in the final set.
 
AMONG OTHER NUMBERS
Strong was a bright spot in terms of attack percentage, finishing the match with a hitting percentage of .316 while pacing the Gaels with eight kills…as a team, the Gaels hit just .018, compared to that of .233 for the Broncos…Ella Sandt was the primary setter for Saint Mary's, as they did run a 6-2 offense for periods of the match, and she led the way with 18 assists…siding out was an issue for the Gaels in their season opener, doing so at just 45.2%…both teams failed to get a player with 10+ kills.

QUOTABLE
"We got pushed around a lot tonight. Boise State is quite good and if we cannot control the first contact better we are going to struggle like we did tonight. They have a big block and we have to put more pressure on them by passing better. Love our team. We've got work to do but we are going to get there. We are excited to play again tomorrow." - head coach, Rob Browning
 
UP NEXT
The final match against Boise State takes place on Saturday, August 27, with first serve scheduled for 1:00 pm inside Bronco Gym. After the first two matches of the year on the road, the Gaels will return home for their home opener. SMC will host Sacramento State on August 31 at 7:00 pm inside University Credit Union Pavilion.
 
#GaelsRise — Don't miss out on the first home match of the season for Saint Mary's Volleyball! The Gaels host their home opener on Wednesday, August 31 against Sacramento State at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW!