Photo by: Varun Aravind (@vflicks04)
Antonie Kelnarova Named Saint Mary’s Student-Athlete of the Week After Leading the Gaels to Two Wins on Opening Weekend
8/31/2026 12:07:00 PM | General, Women's Volleyball
MORAGA, Calif. — Saint Mary's Volleyball opened its campaign by going 2-1 in the 2026 Gael-Bear Classic, including a signature win over Cal for its first win over a Power Four opponent in eight years. Leading the offense all week long was Antonie Kelnarova, as the junior outside hitter led the team in kills in both weekend wins. This is Kelnarova's first time earning this honor in her first week eligible for it, and she is the first Gaels Volleyball player to win the award since Alayna Pearson on Nov. 25, 2025.
In her first three matches as a Gael, Antonie Kelnarova established herself as a go-to option offensively, leading SMC to a 2-1 weekend at the Gael-Bear Classic, tied for the best record in the tournament field. Kelnarova finished second on the team in kills in the opener, with nine, followed by leading the Gaels in both of their wins over Southern Utah and Cal with nine and 19 respectively. Kelnarova also tallied four aces, 13 digs, 3 blocks, and went 47-49 on serve receive.
OTHER NOMINEES: Leo Hachem (MWP), Luke Schaefer (MSOC), Ashlyn Vaughn (WSOC)
Don't miss a second of Saint Mary's Volleyball action in 2026! Tickets are on sale here!
#GaelsRise
In her first three matches as a Gael, Antonie Kelnarova established herself as a go-to option offensively, leading SMC to a 2-1 weekend at the Gael-Bear Classic, tied for the best record in the tournament field. Kelnarova finished second on the team in kills in the opener, with nine, followed by leading the Gaels in both of their wins over Southern Utah and Cal with nine and 19 respectively. Kelnarova also tallied four aces, 13 digs, 3 blocks, and went 47-49 on serve receive.
OTHER NOMINEES: Leo Hachem (MWP), Luke Schaefer (MSOC), Ashlyn Vaughn (WSOC)
Don't miss a second of Saint Mary's Volleyball action in 2026! Tickets are on sale here!
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
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Saturday, May 28
Friday, May 13
Thursday, May 13
