Springfield, Mo. – The Maryville volleyball team improved in each set Saturday afternoon at Drury but the hosts prevailed in three 25-15, 25-19, 25-22. Taylor Keck led the Saints with eight kills on the day. A.J. Hallemann recorded 18 digs, while Grace Knadler had six kills and three blocks.
 
What Happened
Drury roared out of the gates by scoring the first five points of the match. The Saints gathered themselves and cut the deficit down to 5-4 by forcing three straight hitting errors, including a block by Grace Knadler and Mikaela Kues. Maryville stayed close but Drury used a late 6-0 run to take the set.
 
In set two, the Panthers edged ahead before the Saints scored four straight. Maryville forced more DU hitting errors before Taylor Keck capped the burst with a kill. The Saints tried to rally late and scored four of six points in a stretch before the Panthers held on for a 2-0 lead.
 
Down 4-1 in the third set, the Saints had their best sustained run of the match. Abbie Schnell tipped in a shot and Drury committed an error. Knadler had a kill before Adriann Welte's kill gave the Saints a 5-4 lead. Keck and Knadler had a block and a Drury error led to a 7-4 advantage for the Saints. After a DU miscue, Keck put down a kill as Maryville took its largest lead of the day at 11-7. Drury tied the game but Ashlyn Clayton drilled a ball down the middle for a 13-12 edge for the Saints. The teams traded the lead and the score was tied at 21-21 before Drury scored three straight. Clayton pounded down a kill to save one match point but the Panthers converted their next chance to end the tilt.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Taylor Keck - 8
Hitting Percentage: Grace Knadler - .222
Assists: Abbie Schnell - 23
Service Aces: Regina Elguezabal - 1
Digs: A.J. Hallemann - 18
Blocks: Grace Knadler - 3
 
Records
Maryville: 8-13, 1-9 GLVC
Drury: 15-8, 6-5 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints return home for their next action as they host Webster for a non-conference match Monday, Oct. 25. The contest starts at 7 p.m. in Moloney Arena.