MORAGA, Calif. — Less than three weeks ago, Saint Mary's (12-9, 6-3 WCC) was able to curtail their nine-game losing streak with a four set win over San Francisco (9-12, 3-6 WCC). Flash forward to today, the Gaels finished off their sixth straight win, completing the season series sweep over the Dons, this time in front of their home fans by a tally of 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14). The six straight conference wins marks the longest streak for the Gaels since 2012-13, when they won their final four conference matches of the 2012 campaign, and their first two of the 2013 season.
OFFENSIVE ONSLAUGHT
The Gaels surpassed the 55 kill mark for the fifth time this season, tallying 58 in the four set win over the Dons. A trio of Gaels found themselves in double-digits, led by Kristen Erland with 11. Not far behind Erland were starting outside hitters Genevieve Bane and Abby Castillon, each with 10. In total, seven Gaels recorded at least four kills on the afternoon. In contests that Saint Mary's records 55+ kills, they are 5-0 this season.
FOOL ME ONCE SHAME ON YOU…
Last time out against the Dons, the Gaels surrendered 11 service aces, their second worst total of the season, and the best mark for USF in 2023. Saint Mary's flipped the script today in Moraga, allowing just four Don aces. The inability for the Dons to score on the serve gave Saint Mary's a major edge in this contest.
SHE CAN DO IT ALL
Abby Castillon continued to stuff the stat sheet in today's contest. Coming off of her best defensive performance of the season at Pacific, the sophomore outside hitter did everything for the Gaels in their victory today. Castillon logged her second career double-double with 10 kills and 13 digs. If that wasn't enough, the Modesto native added two aces and four blocks. Although Castillon is not the Gaels statistical leader in any category, she ranks in the top six in every major category (kills, assists, aces, digs and blocks). Only her and Genevieve Bane can claim to be a part of that distinguished list this season.
QUOTABLE
"We were prepared for a battle because we knew they wanted to come in here and get some revenge after our last match, and we definitely got that. San Francisco played really hard, and for a good stretch of the match they maintained momentum just with their energy and confidence. I was really proud of our team for switching gears in the third set, when they decided to have the good body language and positive energy and it really turned things around for us. Finally, I felt like we played like we're capable of playing in the fourth set, and the results showed it." – Head Coach Rob Browning
"It's been amazing how through the losing streak and the winning streaks, we've stuck together as a team and never had any doubt or gave up. We look forward to keeping this streak going." – Kristen Erland
UP NEXT
The Gaels will hit the road for a Thursday night showdown at Pepperdine. First serve is set for 7 PM in Malibu on October 26.
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