MORAGA, Calif. — Playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in 2024, Saint Mary's Volleyball (0-3) shook off a slow start to force a fourth set against the UC Davis Aggies, but ultimately dropped that narrow set and the match by a final score of 3-1 (21-25, 19-25, 25-18, 23-25). The match feature clear growth from this young and talented Gael squad, as they continue to grow together as a team just three matches into the season.
Saint Mary's did not establish a single lead in the first set, and built an early 7-4 lead in set two, but saw that evaporate on a 12-4 Aggie run that they would never look back from, building a commanding 2-0 lead. The Gaels blocking front came to life in the third frame, as SMC logged three of their eight blocks in the third set, including two big solo blocks from Kaliko Kealoha and Clarissa Klein. That, paired with just four attack errors committed by the Gaels earned them their first home set victory.
The decisive fourth set was the tightest of the match. SMC took a 22-21 lead, again built on ferocious play at the net by Kealoha (a block solo and a block assist in the fourth). Unfortunately, the Aggies threw the decisive blow, closing out the match on a 4-1 run to secure their third victory of 2024.
Hannah Taylor led the Gaels in kills for the third time in as many matches. She was the lone SMC athlete to reach double digit kills with 12. Five other Gaels tallied at least six kills, including Genevieve Bane (9), Tessa Schouten (7), Abby Castillon (7), Kaliko Kealoha (6) and Clarissa Klein (6). Madi Zorn went for a team and career high 23 assists, with Hailee Garcia right behind her with 22. Each of the two Gaels setters recorded seven digs. Bane added a team-high three aces to go along with her nine kills, and joined Katherine Gee (19) and Abby Castillon (13) with double digit digs (10). The Gaels and Aggies finished the match deadlocked with seven aces and eight blocks apiece.
MAJOR STRIDES FOR THE FRESHMAN MIDDLES
True freshmen middle blockers Tessa Schouten and Kaliko Kealoha both had the best matches of their young SMC careers. Schouten, who originally hails from Davis, went for a career-high seven kills to go along with three digs and two block assists. Kealoha added six kills (career-high), five blocks and her first collegiate service ace. The duo hit 0.500 for the match, with 13 kills on 20 swings and just three errors, and combined to get their hands on seven of SMC's season high eight blocks today.
A ZORN IN THEIR SIDE
Setter Madi Zorn had a career match, going for a career-high 23 assists and seven digs, while tying her career high with a pair of service aces. Zorn, who saw time as a serving specialist last season, is showing her mettle now as a full-time setter with the Gaels, while continuing to serve at a high level.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will have a quick turnaround, hosting Cal on Tuesday, September 10. First serve is set for 7 PM inside UCU Pavilion.
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