Spires Hold on to go 2-0 in Saturday Doubleheader

Belleview, Neb.- The University of Saint Mary Volleyball team participated in the Belleview Tournament on Saturday, defeating Dickinson State (3-1) and Doane University (3-2). The Spires are now 7-2 overall on the season.

Game One

Rylee Kenitzer and Madison Folsom started things for the Spires with two big kills to begin set one. The Bluehawks, however, responded to go neck and neck with Saint Mary to the end to force a 25-25 tie. Dickinson State then closed out the first set, winning 29-27. The Spires played hard and were on a mission to take an early lead in set two. Saint Mary cruised throughout the rest of the set as Camryn Wessel finished with a kill to win 25-12. Late kills by Folsom and a service ace by Macey Adams proved to be critical plays for Saint Mary as they took set three by a score of 25-20. Another fantastic start by Saint Mary gave them all the momentum they needed to win 25-17. Kenitzer and Folsom combined for 30 kills.

Game Two

The Spires took advantage of early errors by the Tigers to take an 8-2 lead. Daone struggled to get anything going most of the set, resulting in a 25-16 win for Saint Mary. Abby Rankin and Wessel provided key kills to spark a small run for USM to start set two. Both teams refused to give in, resulting in another exciting finish. Errors then cost Doane in the end as Saint Mary took set two by a score of 32-30. After Saint Mary dropped the third set, 25-22, the Spires then went on an 11-0 run to begin set four. A stellar comeback by Doane resulted in a 32-30 win for them, forcing a fifth and final set. Saint Mary shut down the comeback with key kills by Keagan Shockley and Devyn Ford to pull away for the 15-8 win. Shockley finished with 21 kills in game two.

Up Next

The Spires will take on Benedictine College at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Leavenworth, Kansas.