Despite a match-high 16 kills from Cristin Richards (Olympia, Wash.), the Seattle University women’s volleyball team could not overcome the balanced effort of Saint Mary’s College, as the Gaels defeated the Redhawks, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-17), Friday night at McKeon Pavilion.
The 16 kills by Richards were the most by a Seattle University player in a match this season and is the seventh time Richards has reached double figures in kills. Setter Jamie Mellies (Henderson, Nev.) helped Richards achieve that total, finishing with 31 assists to go along with two service aces, four digs, and three total blocks.
Emily Powell (Puyallup, Wash.) finished with six kills and a team-high four total blocks while sophomore Janet Beckerman (Bellevue, Wash.) also earned six kills plus posted two blocks in the match. Kaytlyn Dill (Bothell, Wash.) came off the bench and picked up five kills, and libero Emily Deleissegues (Aromas, Calif.) led the Redhawks with 14 defensive digs, with Megan Augustavo (Shoreline, Wash.) contributing eight digs during her time on the court.
Saint Mary’s (9-3) was led by Megan York, who notched a double-double with 14 kills and 11 digs. Megan Burton earned nine kills in 17 attempts without an attack error, plus she had three total blocks at the net. Kapua Kamana’o finished with 46 assists and ten digs, and Alita Fisher led all players with 16 defensive digs.
Seattle University (2-12) will face Pennsylvania here at McKeon Pavilion Saturday morning at 11 a.m. before heading over the bay to face the University of San Francisco Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Redhawks then receive a well-deserved 12-day break before hosting Concordia University (Ore.) on Friday, Oct. 10, at the Connolly Center beginning at 7 p.m.