MORAGA, Calif. — Following a tough road contest against the WCC leading Pepperdine Waves, the Gaels (12-11, 6-5) welcomed another top tier team, the San Diego Toreros (12-9, 8-3 WCC) to UCU Pavilion on Saturday. While the Gaels kept things close in each set, the Toreros were able to keep them at arms distance, eventually taking the three set sweep (16-25, 19-25, 19-25).
DEFENSE KEEPS 'EM IN IT
The Gaels were able to combat the Toreros hard-hitting front with some strong defensive plays along the back row. Libero Makenna Joyce led the Gael back row with 12 digs. Not far behind her were setters Ella Sandt and Hailee Garcia, with nine and seven digs respectively. Sandt's nine digs moved her beyond the 700 mark in her career. At the net, the blocking front came up with timely plays to keep each set within striking distance. Sandt, Kjersti Strong and Kristen Erland all were a part of three blocks, as the Gaels totalled six in the contest.
ANOTHER DAY AT THE OFFICE FOR ERLAND
Kristen Erland's attacking efficiency continues to be off the charts. Today, the junior only took eight swings, but still converted those into six kills and just one error. To say Erland's attack percentage this season is gaudy would be an understatement, as she now is hitting at 0.406 for the season. Prior to this season, the single season record for hitting percentage was 0.361, held by Boo Laird in 2021, Erland's freshman year. In her last six contests, Erland has recorded just five attacking errors, and is hitting at 0.508.
AMONGST OTHER NUMBERS
Kjersti Strong led the Gaels offensive efforts with nine kills, with Clarissa Klein not far behind with seven. Ella Sandt served as Saint Mary's lone setter today, with Hailee Garcia shifting to a defensive specialist role. Sandt recorded 24 assists, and was one of three Gaels, along with Madi Zorn and Genevieve Bane, to record an ace.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will have seven days until their next time on the court, as they will welcome Santa Clara to Moraga. First serve is set for 1 PM on Saturday, November 4.
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