After a seemingly rough past few games, the Saint Mary’s volleyball team improved to 9-13 on the season and 1-6 in the MIAA as it took the 3-0 win over the Albion Britons (Brits) on Wednesday.
Saint Mary’s took the lead early on in the first set thanks to freshman outside and middle hitter Kalli Lewkowski, who started the set strong with a block to gain the first point. Senior outside hitter Cali Allen would also contribute, adding two service aces to make the score 3-0. An 11-4 run from the Belles put them comfortably ahead with a score of 14-4 over the Brits as they continued to dominate on the court throughout the set. With multiple kills from sophomore middle hitter Caroline Carens, the team won the first set 25-18.
The second set went back and forth between the two teams as there were multiple lead changes and ties throughout the set. However, thanks to the duo of Allen and freshman setter Giuliana Graczyk, the team pulled ahead to a 20-16 lead over the Brits. Forced errors from the Belles and a kill from junior outside and middle hitter Delaney Martin made the final score in the second set 25-21, bringing the overall score 2-0 in favor of the Belles.
A duo effort from Lewkowski and junior middle hitter Patricia Settlemier helped the Belles gain a quick lead in the third set to make the score 2-0. A 12-6 run from the Belles kept them ahead as the score was 14-6 nearing the middle of the set. While the Brits attempted to make a comeback scoring a few points of their own, the Belles used errors made by Albion to finish the final set 25-15 and take the final 3-0 win.
The Belles stayed in control throughout the entire match as they totaled more kills than the Brits (41-35) and had an overall team hitting percentage of .271. Carens led the match with 13 kills, Lewkowski followed with eight kills and Settlemier put up seven kills alongside Allen, who also added seven kills. Graczyk led the match with 18 assists and sophomore setter Abby Reese added on 11 for herself. Allen and junior defensive specialist Karli Fegan led in digs, both finishing with 14 while Reese followed with 11.
This match also was an important moment for Allen as she passed a notable milestone for the Belles having now more than 500 kills in her career.
The Belles now prepare for their last match of the season against Olivet on Nov. 9 starting at 1 p.m. This game is also going to be senior night for the Belles, as they will celebrate their only senior, Cali Allen.
