Lorna Slupczynski and Kaela Hellmann could not be denied.
The junior-senior combo once again dominated the Saint Mary's offensive attack, combining for 39 kills (19 and 20 respectively) in the Belles 3-1 win over Trine University Wednesday night. The win moves the squad to 12-5 on the year, 5-3 in conference play.
As has been the team's trademark all year, the key to last night's victory was the strong start of the team's attacking players. Hellmann fired off seven kills in seven attempts in the first set as she scored over a quarter of the team's points in the first set. Hellmann contributed another four kills in the second set, while fellow senior Cathy Kurczak also chipped in offensively with six kills.
In the third set the Belles faltered and their sloppy play allowed Trine to overcome two match points and take the set by a score of 28-26. But Slupczynski quickly reminded the Thunder that Hellmann was not the only offensive force on the floor, ripping off seven kills and six digs in the final set and helping the Belles earn the win as they took the set 25-16.
Overlooked in the offensive display of Hellmann, Slupczynski, and Kurczak is the ability of freshman Danielle Brink, who distributed an impressive 56 assists while contributing 11 digs defensively.
Saint Mary's has now won five out of its last six matches, and carries a great deal of momentum as it travels to Michigan to take on Alma College this Friday at 7 p.m.
