MORAGA, Calif. — Coming off of a top four finish at the Heineken Queen's Cup in Waikiki, the Gaels (7-5) will play in a more local event this weekend, heading to the campus of San Jose State to take part in the first ever Sand Jose Invitational.
Last week on Waikiki Beach, the Gaels took part in the Heineken Queen's Cup, hosted by the University of Hawaii. There, the Gaels opened up the event 3-1 in pool play, earning them a bid straight through to the semifinals. The Gaels dropped both matches in bracket play, earning fourth place overall in the event. Overall, Saint Mary's swept Chaminade 5-0, were swept by Hawaii 5-0, won 3-2 decisions over Nebraska and Boise State, and fell 3-2 to Boise State and Pepperdine. Playing out of the #3 flight throughout the event Allie Cataldo and Angie Bour went 5-1 on the weekend, bringing their season record to 10-2.
The Gaels opening match in San Jose will feature the Hornets of Sacramento State. Sac State is off to a 5-5 start on the season, but dropped each of their last four at the 'Runner Invite in Bakersfield. The Hornets employ a dual head coach system, with both Ruben Volta and Ed Jackson serving in the role for 12 and nine years respectively. Junior Ellie Tisko has been the standout for the Hornets in the early goings, splitting time with Kalani Hayes and Caitlin Volkmann. In matches that Tisko has appeared in, she is 8-2 overall. The Gaels are unbeaten in 11 meetings with the Hornets. This will be there first of two meetings this season.
The Gaels second foe on day one will be the Utah Utes. The Utes are 6-6 on the young season, dropping all four of their contests in Tempe at the Pac-12 South Tournament. Brenda Whicker is in her seventh season at the helm for the Utes, coming off of her best season a year ago. The Utes have walked out the same pairings in all 12 matches this season, with their one (Langley Griffin/Katie McAlister) and two (Rylee Johnson/Bella Vezzani) pairings being most consistent, each with 7-5 records. Even more impressive, Griffin and Johnson are both true freshmen. The Gaels have defeated Utah in all three of their meetings, including a 3-2 victory last year.
Day two kicks off with the Gaels taking on host San Jose State. This will be the second meeting between the Gaels and Spartans this year, with the Gaels defeating the Spartans 3-2 in Palo Alto earlier this season. After dropping each of their first three, the Spartans have won four of their last six. Former Gaels Head Coach Gary Hodge is now in his second season with the Spartans. It was the Spartans top two flights that defeated the Gaels earlier this season, Jaida Ward and Jada Hall at the one, and Cheyenne Rice and Teila Allen at the two. All-time, the Gaels lead the series with the Spartans 12-2.
The Gaels final matchup in Silicon Valley will be against the Sierra College Wolverines. The junior college program is 6-4 on the early season, and could provide an early recruiting opportunity for Head Coach Janice Harrer for next season. Alanna Whitnack has been the head coach for Sierra since they started the program in 2016, and is a two-time Big-8 Coach of the Year.
#GaelsRise
