Friday, August 28
Moraga, CA
7:00 PM
Saint Mary's College of California
0-1,0-0WCC
1
vs
3
UC San Diego
1-0,0-0Big West
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC San Diego | 20 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Saint Mary's (CA) | 25 | 22 | 15 | 19 | 1 |
Makenzie Jackson: 10 Kills,1 Dig, 1 Block
Photo by: Saint Mary's Athletics / Tod Fierner
VB | Gaels Jump Out to Blistering Hot Start, Fall in Four to UC San Diego
8/28/2026 10:59:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's Volleyball opened its season at home for the first time since 2004, and with an energized crowd behind them, jumped out to an early 1-0 lead against the UC San Diego Tritons. Unfortunately, the Tritons were able to find their footing midway through the second half, taking over control of the match to eventually best the Gaels 3-1. Eight different Gaels made their Saint Mary's debuts in tonight's match, as the 2026 squad will continue to grow together with more time on the court with one another.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gaels could not have asked for a better start, jumping out to a 17-13 lead in set one, due in large part to a long Caroline Formankova service run. From that point in the set, the Gaels were able to sideout their way to victory, never allowing the Tritons to get within two points, taking the set 25-20. Defense at the net reigned supreme for the Gaels in set one, as they rattled off five blocks to stymy the Triton offensive.
The Triton fell behind 14-10 in set two, and the Gaels looked primed and ready to move ahead 2-0, but a quick 8-0 run from UCSD gave them momentum that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the match. A late push from the Gaels on an Anaya Thrower service run helped them stave off seven set points, but eventually, UCSD was able to pick up the sideout they needed to level things off with a 25-22 set two victory.
Sets three and four saw momentum shift towards the Tritons, as they led wire-to-wire in set three, to go-ahead 2-1. A pair of Sadie White aces early in set four put the Gaels ahead 5-3 in the frame, but the Tritons would regain the lead and not relinquish it for the remainder of the contest, taking the four set win.
GAME NOTES
UP NEXT
The Gaels will have a quick turnaround, taking on Southern Utah tomorrow evening, with a scheduled 7 p.m. first serve inside UCU Pavilion.
Don't miss a second of Saint Mary's Volleyball action in 2026! Tickets are on sale here!
#GaelsRise
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Gaels could not have asked for a better start, jumping out to a 17-13 lead in set one, due in large part to a long Caroline Formankova service run. From that point in the set, the Gaels were able to sideout their way to victory, never allowing the Tritons to get within two points, taking the set 25-20. Defense at the net reigned supreme for the Gaels in set one, as they rattled off five blocks to stymy the Triton offensive.
The Triton fell behind 14-10 in set two, and the Gaels looked primed and ready to move ahead 2-0, but a quick 8-0 run from UCSD gave them momentum that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the match. A late push from the Gaels on an Anaya Thrower service run helped them stave off seven set points, but eventually, UCSD was able to pick up the sideout they needed to level things off with a 25-22 set two victory.
Sets three and four saw momentum shift towards the Tritons, as they led wire-to-wire in set three, to go-ahead 2-1. A pair of Sadie White aces early in set four put the Gaels ahead 5-3 in the frame, but the Tritons would regain the lead and not relinquish it for the remainder of the contest, taking the four set win.
GAME NOTES
- Eight different Gaels debuted in tonight's contest, headlined by Makenzie Jackson, who became the first Gael since Kjersti Strong in 2022 to lead the team in kills in a season opener.
- The Gaels recorded double-digit blocks in tonight's season opener, led by five each from Layne Dent and Anaya Thrower. The last time the Gaels opened a season with a double-digit blocking match was back in 2013 against Colorado.
- Three Gaels recorded multiple service aces: Sadie White, Caroline Formankova and Anaya Thrower. For Formankova and Thrower, these were their first collegiate aces.
- Libero Alayna Pearson led the Gaels back row defense with 11 digs, giving her 23 double-digit dig matches in 29 appearances as a Gael.
UP NEXT
The Gaels will have a quick turnaround, taking on Southern Utah tomorrow evening, with a scheduled 7 p.m. first serve inside UCU Pavilion.
Don't miss a second of Saint Mary's Volleyball action in 2026! Tickets are on sale here!
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Women's VolleyballOPP
/ Women's VolleyballOPP
/ Women's VolleyballL/DS
/ Women's VolleyballMB
/ Women's VolleyballS
/ Women's VolleyballTeam Stats
UCSD
SMC
Kills
52
43
Errors
16
26
Attempts
123
119
Hitting %
.293
.143
Points
70.0
60.0
Assists
48
38
Aces
9
7
Blocks
9
10
Game Leaders
Kills
10
Aces
0
Blocks
1
Kills
9
Aces
1
Blocks
0
Kills
8
Aces
2
Blocks
5
Kills
6
Aces
0
Blocks
5
Friday, August 28
Tuesday, December 02
Saturday, November 29
Wednesday, November 26
