The University of Denver volleyball team (10-10) fell to Saint Mary’s College (13-8) at University Credit Union Pavilion in Morgana, Calif. on Oct. 22.
Saint Mary’s took an early lead in the first set, building a 10-5 advantage as Denver worked to find its rhythm. The Crimson and Gold responded with kills from sophomore middle hitter Elise Hart and sophomore outside hitter Alicia Thibodeau to stay within reach.
Denver continued to battle as the set progressed, with Hart contributing kills. However, Saint Mary’s maintained its advantage using its attacking offense and closed out the set 25-20.
Denver responded in the second set, establishing a more consistent offensive rhythm. After the teams traded points early, the Crimson and Gold began to create separation. Junior setter Ilayda Eren contributed two consecutive service aces, helping Denver build momentum and pressure the Saint Mary’s defense.
Denver extended their lead through kills from Hart, junior right-side hitter Jamia Johnson and sophomore outside hitter Hailey Goebel. Denver also capitalized on Saint Mary’s attacking error to build a 15-10 advantage.
The Gaels attempted to close the gap, but Denver maintained control throughout the remainder of the set. Denver scored the final three points to secure a 25-17 victory and even the match.
The third set proved more difficult for Denver, as Saint Mary’s established an early lead and maintained control. The Gaels moved ahead 6-2 and continued to build their advantage through kills and consistent serving.
Denver found some offensive success, with Thibodeau and Goebel contributing kills. However, Saint Mary’s continued to find openings in Denver’s defense and took advantage of attacking errors to extend their lead 17-7.
Late in the set, the Crimson and Gold attempted to respond, but the Gaels maintained their offensive pressure, closing out the set 25-18 and taking a 2-1 lead in the match.
Saint Mary’s carried that momentum into the fourth set, taking an early advantage as both teams traded points. Denver stayed competitive through kills from Johnson, Hart and Goebel, but the Gaels continued to find scoring opportunities.
Denver remained within reach early in the set, trailing 14-10 after a kill from Hart. But Saint Mary’s responded with a series of kills extending their lead and putting pressure on Denver to close the gap.
Denver continued to fight, with freshman middle blocker Katelyn Landis recording a kill and sophomore outside hitter Quinland Jones contributing a kill and a service ace late in the set. However, Saint Mary’s maintained its advantage and reached match point at 24-18.
Jones recorded another kill to bring Denver to 19 points, but the Gaels closed out the set 25-19 to secure the four-set victory.
Denver is set to face the University of the Pacific on Oct. 24 in Stockton, Calif. before returning home to face Santa Clara on Oct. 29.
