After snapping a three-game losing streak with a 3-0 win over Kenyon, Saint Mary's volleyball were unable to continue their momentum Tuesday. The Belles came out rusty after a season-long 10-day break. Their home opener ended with a three-set loss to Manchester by scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-19. It's just the second time in eight matches this season Saint Mary's has failed to win a set.
The Belles immediately got off to a slow start, falling into an early 12-6 deficit. Although Saint Mary's would eventually pull within two, an immediate 6-2 response run from the Spartans secured them the first set. Saint Mary's did start the second set strong, jumping out to an 8-4 advantage. Manchester made a couple of subs that helped turn the momentum, as the Spartans went ahead by as many as four thanks to a 7-1 run.
Saint Mary's showed an impressive fight, winning four consecutive Manchester match points. Junior outside Cali Allen recorded two kills, and a double block by junior middle hitter Shay Theile and setter Shani Russell brought the Belles within one. But the Spartans closed the set out just before the Belles could draw back even. Coming so close and still falling had an adverse effect on the Belles, especially at the end of the third set. Down 21-19, Saint Mary's dropped the final four points of the match, with three of them coming on errors by the Belles.
Allen led the Belles with eight kills in the match. Theile and freshman middle hitter Caroline Carens each had two blocks. Junior libero Bethany DeSilvestro paced the team with nine digs as well.
The loss drops the Belles to 3-5 on the season. Manchester, meanwhile, improved its record to an impressive 8-3. Saint Mary's returns to action on Friday against Beloit. After that, the Belles begin conference play, starting next Tuesday against Kalamazoo. Friday's match also marks the beginning of a season-long five-game road trip.
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