SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Through two weekends of competition in the 2023 season, the Saint Mary's Gaels are 6-0, following a four set victory (25-19, 25-18, 24-26, 25-20) on the road against Sacramento State (5-2). The Gaels controlled the entire match, having just one major cold spell in the third set, as they moved to 6-0 for just the third time in program history. 

DOING IT IN FRONT OF THE FANS
Sacramento State's home gymnasium was full of Hannah Taylor fans, as this match served as a homecoming for the junior out of Sacramento suburb Yuba City. Hannah rewarded her cheering section with her best match as a Gael, totalling a career-best 15 kills to go along with 5 total blocks. Taylor has proven to be an excellent addition for Coach Rob Browning this season, as she's already tallied 56 kills while hitting at a 0.254 clip, both good for third on the team. 

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, I CAN DO BETTER
Both Gaels setters were excellent in tonight's matchup, with Hailee Garcia and Ella Sandt both recording their first double-doubles of the season. Tonight, Garcia led the Gaels with 22 assists to Sandt's 20, while Sandt tallied 15 digs to Garcia's 10. While many could argue on who played the better match tonight, it is clear that the Gaels have something special with this 6-2 rotation that features both Garcia and Sandt. 

THE TWO TOWERS
Once again, the Gaels two terrific middle blockers, Kristen Erland and Kjersti Strong served as two of the stars in the victory this evening. Strong led all players with a career-best 17 kills while adding 6 total blocks. Erland, meanwhile, added eight kills, good for third on the Gaels, and five total blocks, good for second. The duo combined to hit at 0.580, committing just three errors on 38 swings. 

IN THE GLICK OF TIME
Sophomore Hannah Glick was called upon by Coach Browning tonight to serve in the Gael rotation, and this decision paid dividends. Glick totalled four huge service aces, two each in the second and fourth sets, playing a big role in the Gaels winning both of those sets. After tallying four service aces in her entire freshman campaign, Glick is making a strong case to remain in the Saint Mary's service rotation throughout her sophomore year.  

QUOTABLE
"This was another really good win for our team. Beating a good time like Sacramento State in their home gym takes toughness and maturity and we showed both of those qualities tonight. Last year, that team came to Moraga and whooped us and it feels really good to return the favor. I love how our team fought hard from beginning to end, especially when Sacramento State was surging late." – Head Coach Rob Browning

UP NEXT
The Gaels will be back at it in Berkeley, taking on Cal Wednesday evening. First serve is set for 7 PM at Haas Pavilion. 

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