Thursday, October 9
Stockton, CA
6:00 PM
Saint Mary's College of California
3-13,1-4WCC
3
at
2
Pacific
7-9,1-4WCC
1
2
3
4
5
F
Saint Mary's (CA)
23
25
25
21
20
3
Pacific
25
17
16
25
18
2
Abby Catillon: 10 Kills, 3 Aces (Team-High), 11 Digs
Photo by: Pacific Athletics
VB | Gaels Take Five Set Thriller in Stockton for First WCC Win of 2025
10/9/2025 10:03:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STOCKTON, Calif. — In their last visit to the Alex G. Spanos Center in 2023, Saint Mary's (3-13, 1-4 WCC) put up a gritty effort to defeat Pacific (7-9, 1-4 WCC) in five on their home floor. The sequel to that thriller was just as tight, but once again, it was the Gaels who were able to outlast the Tigers, for their first WCC win and their fourth straight victory against their rivals to the East. The Gaels will look to bottle the positive emotions from the hard fought victory tonight and use it to keep the momentum going here in WCC action.
Pacific jumped out of the gates hot in this one, building an early 5-1 lead, but the Gaels answered with a 5-1 run of their own to level things at six apiece. That was one of six ties that the Gaels would force in set one, but they never held a lead in the frame, and, after a Genevieve Bane knotted things up at 20 all, the Tigers picked up the next two points, giving them the separation they needed for a narrow 25-23 set one win. Bane led the Gaels offensively with five kills, while Mya Allen chipped in four.
It was Pacific again who threw the opening punch in the second stanza, moving ahead 8-3 early. An 8-2 response from Saint Mary's gave them their first lead of the match at 11-10 in the second set, but the momentous run sparked new life into the Gaels, who seemed to take momentum from that point in the match and run with it. Saint Mary's would continue to extend their lead throughout the set on long service runs and quick sideouts, leveling the match at a set apiece with a 25-17 set two victory. The Saint Mary's block looked as good as ever in the second set, with five rejections, four of which came of the hands of Anaya Thrower. This helped the Gaels hold the Tigers to a -0.025 clip in set two.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Gaels opened up set three on a 12-7 run, and while Pacific got a bit better as the set wore on, Saint Mary's outscored the Tigers 13-9 down the stretch to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Mya Allen put the team on her back in the third frame with six kills, matching her total from sets one and two. Meanwhile, Natalie Peete had a huge six dig set, which once again helped limit Pacific to just eight kills as a team in frame.
Down, but not out, Pacific opened set four on a 7-1 run and never looked back, en route to a 25-21 fourth set to force a decisive fifth. It was the least productive offensive set for Saint Mary's in the set, as the Gaels got Gracie Vohs going to the tune of four kills, but couldn't really find any other attacking options. Abby Castillon racked up five digs to lead the defensive effort that allowed the Gaels to keep things tight in the fourth.
After taking a narrow 8-6 lead into the switch, Saint Mary's was able to grow their lead to as large as 13-9, and eventually forced match point at 14-11. The Tigers, however, played inspired volleyball to rally back and bring the score to 14 all. In a mad dash for two points, the Gaels had four chances to end the match with a win, and the Tiger had one, but on the fourth Gracie Vohs and Anaya Thrower linked up for a block to clinch the match with a 20-18 set five victory. While Vohs and Thrower had the match winning score, it was Abby Castillon all set long that led the Gaels to victory with three kills on five swings and no errors, and an ace, willing SMC past the Tigers.
For the first time this season, Saint Mary's had four players reach double-digit kills. Gracie Vohs led the way with 16 to go along with a career-high six digs. Genevieve Bane and Mya Allen each had 15 kills, with Allen adding a pair of service aces, and Bane going for four blocks. Abby Castillon rounded out the group with 10 kills as well as 11 digs and a team-best three aces in what was the best performance of her senior year thus far. Madi Zorn joined Castillon with her first double-double of 2025, going for a team-high 32 assists to go along with 11 digs. Ivona Lazovic also set in the Gaels 6-2 rotation, going for 19 assists and seven digs. Defense once again shined brightest for the Gaels tonight. Natalie Peete dressed as the libero for the first time this year, and went for 21 digs, while Anaya Thrower led the blocking front with a career-high seven, and Tessa Schouten added four to go along with two aces. As a team, the Gaels set new single game highs for kills (68), digs (72), digs per set (14.4) and total blocks (12).
A SHUFFLE OF THE DECK PAYS DIVIDENDS
Continuing to find their stride, the Gaels, under the tutelage of Coach Tyler Hildebrand made two major lineup changes today, and both paid off with massive returns. Used primarily as a serving specialist this year, Abby Castillon got the start as a full rotation outside hitter, and put up the best numbers of her senior campaign with 10 kills, 11 digs, and a team-high three aces. It was Castillon's first double-double of the season, and the sixth of her career. Castillon has always had solid success against Pacific, the WCC opponent closest to her hometown of Modesto, as in her last three contests against the Tigers, she has tallied 32 kills, 7 aces and 43 digs. Natalie Peete also got her first nod of the season at libero, after platooning at that role for the Gaels a year ago. Peete led the Gaels with 21 digs, her second career 20+ dig match, and her first this season. Peete and Castillon certainly had their finger prints all over tonight's victory.
OUTSTANDING OPPOSITES
Running a 6-2 for the fourth straight match, the Gaels went with Genevieve Bane and Gracie Vohs as their two opposite hitters, and those two really led the Gaels offense tonight. For the second time this year, Vohs led the Gaels in kills, finishing the evening with 16 and a 0.333 clip, three off of her career-high set two weeks ago against Portland. Just one kill behind her was Bane, who went for 15 and a 0.344 clip, as she continues to lead the team with 193 for the season. Full rotation outside hitters Mya Allen and Abby Castillon each also reached double-digit kills in a match in which the offense was guided by four outstanding Gael pin hitters.
UP NEXT
The Gaels return home Saturday evening to take on another NorCal WCC rival, Santa Clara. First serve is set for 5 PM on October 11.
DON'T MISS OUT ON HOME VOLLEYBALL ACTION. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
#GaelsRise
Pacific jumped out of the gates hot in this one, building an early 5-1 lead, but the Gaels answered with a 5-1 run of their own to level things at six apiece. That was one of six ties that the Gaels would force in set one, but they never held a lead in the frame, and, after a Genevieve Bane knotted things up at 20 all, the Tigers picked up the next two points, giving them the separation they needed for a narrow 25-23 set one win. Bane led the Gaels offensively with five kills, while Mya Allen chipped in four.
S1 | SMC 16 - PAC 17
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
Abby Castillon with the tough serve and the stellar defense, and Mya Allen puts away the point!#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/8DK6bNiLIM
S1 | SMC 20 - PAC 20
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
Gaels take the marathon point! Genevieve picks up the kill to knot things up at 20 apiece!#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/oHjziCjNAj
It was Pacific again who threw the opening punch in the second stanza, moving ahead 8-3 early. An 8-2 response from Saint Mary's gave them their first lead of the match at 11-10 in the second set, but the momentous run sparked new life into the Gaels, who seemed to take momentum from that point in the match and run with it. Saint Mary's would continue to extend their lead throughout the set on long service runs and quick sideouts, leveling the match at a set apiece with a 25-17 set two victory. The Saint Mary's block looked as good as ever in the second set, with five rejections, four of which came of the hands of Anaya Thrower. This helped the Gaels hold the Tigers to a -0.025 clip in set two.
S2 | SMC 22 - PAC 13
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
Gracie Vohs and Anaya Thrower pair up for the Gaels FIFTH BLOCK OF SET TWO!#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/FgnL1OWDti
With momentum firmly on their side, the Gaels opened up set three on a 12-7 run, and while Pacific got a bit better as the set wore on, Saint Mary's outscored the Tigers 13-9 down the stretch to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Mya Allen put the team on her back in the third frame with six kills, matching her total from sets one and two. Meanwhile, Natalie Peete had a huge six dig set, which once again helped limit Pacific to just eight kills as a team in frame.
S3 | SMC 1 - PAC 1
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
Natalie Peete goes full gainer for the dig, and Mya Allen comes up with her 7th kill of the night!@WCCsports #GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/6lX642BZgI
S3 | SMC 22 - PAC 13
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
Might've been the defensive point of the year for both sides! Gaels get the point with Mya Allen's 10th kill!#GaelsRise @SportsCenter #SCTop10 @WCCsports @NCAAVolleyball pic.twitter.com/9nZZoYiiwW
S3 | SMC 25 - PAC 16
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
PEDAL FIRMLY TO THE METAL FOR THE GAELS!
Allen: 12 Kills, 1 Ace
Bane: 10 Kills, 3 Blks
Vohs: 9 Kills
Catillon: 6 Kills, 2 Aces
Zorn: 23 Ast, 1 Ace
Lazovic: 12 Ast
Schouten: 3 Blks, 2 Aces
Peete: 15 Digs
Thrower: 4 Blks#GaelsRise @WCCsports pic.twitter.com/nmAqlj26ho
Down, but not out, Pacific opened set four on a 7-1 run and never looked back, en route to a 25-21 fourth set to force a decisive fifth. It was the least productive offensive set for Saint Mary's in the set, as the Gaels got Gracie Vohs going to the tune of four kills, but couldn't really find any other attacking options. Abby Castillon racked up five digs to lead the defensive effort that allowed the Gaels to keep things tight in the fourth.
S4 | SMC 1 - PAC 0
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
Gracie Vohs with the COFFIN CORNER KILL! She is the third Gael to double digit kills!#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/9iAP98apq7
After taking a narrow 8-6 lead into the switch, Saint Mary's was able to grow their lead to as large as 13-9, and eventually forced match point at 14-11. The Tigers, however, played inspired volleyball to rally back and bring the score to 14 all. In a mad dash for two points, the Gaels had four chances to end the match with a win, and the Tiger had one, but on the fourth Gracie Vohs and Anaya Thrower linked up for a block to clinch the match with a 20-18 set five victory. While Vohs and Thrower had the match winning score, it was Abby Castillon all set long that led the Gaels to victory with three kills on five swings and no errors, and an ace, willing SMC past the Tigers.
S5 | SMC 11 - PAC 8
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
That's 3 aces for Abby! This one puts the Gaels in the driver's seat in set five!#GaelsRise pic.twitter.com/HpjGzDt0jc
FINAL | SMC 3 - PAC 2
— Saint Mary's Volleyball (@SMC_Volleyball) October 10, 2025
GAELS NOTCH WCC WIN #1!
Vohs: 16 Kills
Bane: 15 Kills, 4 Blks
Allen: 15 Kills, 2 Aces
Castillon: 10 Kills, 3 Aces, 11 Digs
Zorn: 32 Ast, 11 Digs
Lazovic: 19 Ast
Schouten: 4 Blks, 2 Aces
Peete: 21 Digs
Thrower: 7 Blks#GaelsRise @WCCsports pic.twitter.com/oUbhHoIJlf
For the first time this season, Saint Mary's had four players reach double-digit kills. Gracie Vohs led the way with 16 to go along with a career-high six digs. Genevieve Bane and Mya Allen each had 15 kills, with Allen adding a pair of service aces, and Bane going for four blocks. Abby Castillon rounded out the group with 10 kills as well as 11 digs and a team-best three aces in what was the best performance of her senior year thus far. Madi Zorn joined Castillon with her first double-double of 2025, going for a team-high 32 assists to go along with 11 digs. Ivona Lazovic also set in the Gaels 6-2 rotation, going for 19 assists and seven digs. Defense once again shined brightest for the Gaels tonight. Natalie Peete dressed as the libero for the first time this year, and went for 21 digs, while Anaya Thrower led the blocking front with a career-high seven, and Tessa Schouten added four to go along with two aces. As a team, the Gaels set new single game highs for kills (68), digs (72), digs per set (14.4) and total blocks (12).
A SHUFFLE OF THE DECK PAYS DIVIDENDS
Continuing to find their stride, the Gaels, under the tutelage of Coach Tyler Hildebrand made two major lineup changes today, and both paid off with massive returns. Used primarily as a serving specialist this year, Abby Castillon got the start as a full rotation outside hitter, and put up the best numbers of her senior campaign with 10 kills, 11 digs, and a team-high three aces. It was Castillon's first double-double of the season, and the sixth of her career. Castillon has always had solid success against Pacific, the WCC opponent closest to her hometown of Modesto, as in her last three contests against the Tigers, she has tallied 32 kills, 7 aces and 43 digs. Natalie Peete also got her first nod of the season at libero, after platooning at that role for the Gaels a year ago. Peete led the Gaels with 21 digs, her second career 20+ dig match, and her first this season. Peete and Castillon certainly had their finger prints all over tonight's victory.
OUTSTANDING OPPOSITES
Running a 6-2 for the fourth straight match, the Gaels went with Genevieve Bane and Gracie Vohs as their two opposite hitters, and those two really led the Gaels offense tonight. For the second time this year, Vohs led the Gaels in kills, finishing the evening with 16 and a 0.333 clip, three off of her career-high set two weeks ago against Portland. Just one kill behind her was Bane, who went for 15 and a 0.344 clip, as she continues to lead the team with 193 for the season. Full rotation outside hitters Mya Allen and Abby Castillon each also reached double-digit kills in a match in which the offense was guided by four outstanding Gael pin hitters.
UP NEXT
The Gaels return home Saturday evening to take on another NorCal WCC rival, Santa Clara. First serve is set for 5 PM on October 11.
DON'T MISS OUT ON HOME VOLLEYBALL ACTION. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.
#GaelsRise
Team Stats
SMC
PAC
Kills
68
53
Errors
21
26
Attempts
173
164
Hitting %
.272
.165
Points
89.0
64.0
Assists
63
42
Aces
9
4
Blocks
12
7
Game Leaders
Kills
16
Aces
0
Blocks
3
Kills
15
Aces
0
Blocks
4
Kills
10
Aces
3
Blocks
1
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Women's VolleyballOH
/ Women's VolleyballS
/ Women's VolleyballL/DS
/ Women's VolleyballMB
/ Women's VolleyballMB
/ Women's VolleyballOH
/ Women's VolleyballVB | Highlights at Pacific, 10-9-25
Thursday, October 09
VB | Tyler Hildebrand Presser, 10-6-25
Monday, October 06
VB | Highlights vs. LMU, 10-4-25
Saturday, October 04
VB | Tyler Hildebrand Presser Post LMU
Saturday, October 04
