SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Non-conference play came to a close for the Gaels (6-6) today with their toughest matchup to date, taking on the Washington Huskies (9-2), a team who received votes in the latest national polls. Saint Mary's fought hard in this one, tying or holding a lead over Washington in three of four sets, but eventually fell 3-1 (16-25, 25-18, 19-25, 18-25). The Gaels close out non-conference play with a .500 record, and took at least one set in every match. 

400 FOR ERLAND, 300 FOR STRONG
With five kills from Erland today and 12 from Strong, the dynamic middle blocking duo for the Gaels reached 400 kills and 300 kills respectively for their Saint Mary's careers. Erland is the Gaels active kills leader, now with 402, while Strong ranks third amongst active players, trailing just Erland and Genevieve Bane, with 306. Strong's 12 kills today was once again top marks for the Gaels, something she has done seven times in the first 12 matches of the year. 

GARCIA STEPS UP
After the Gaels experimented with a 5-1 rotation, using Ella Sandt as their top setter, they returned to their prototypical 6-2 rotation, and Hailee Garcia rewarded this decision with her second double-double of the season. Garcia and Sandt both tied for the lead with 17 assists, while Garcia finished second on the squad with 10 digs, behind only Makenna Joyce's 15. The double-double was the third of Garcia's young career as a Gael. 

CLEANING UP THEIR ACT
The Gaels committed only 15 attack errors and 7 service errors in this match. The attack error number was the second lowest all season, while the service error total was the fewest since the Gaels September 4th victory over Sacramento State. In total, the Gaels hit .267 for the match, their third best mark of the season. These numbers will need to continue to trend in the positive direction as the Gaels kick off WCC play next week. 

AMONG OTHER NUMBERS
Just behind Kjersti Strong's team-high 12 kills were 10 kills from Hannah Taylor. Taylor's 24 kills over the past two matches are the best over a two match span in her Saint Mary's career. Makenna Joyce, Hailee Garcia and Ella Sandt all recorded a service ace. It should come as no surprise that this trio represents three of the top four service ace getters on the Gaels roster. The Gaels out-blocked Washington 9-8 today, led by Kjersti Strong (7 blocks) and Hannah Taylor (4 blocks). This was the seventh time this season that the Gaels have out-blocked an opponent, with their record standing at 4-3 when they accomplish that feat. 

UP NEXT
The Gaels will stay on the road to open up conference play, as they head to LMU for their WCC opener. First serve from Los Angeles is set for 7 PM. 

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