Kentucky State Tournament Day One
Frankfort, Ky. - In its 2021 season-opening action, the Maryville volleyball team earned a split of two matches to begin the Kentucky State Tournament in Frankfort, Ky. The Saints rallied to win a five-set thriller over Central State but lost in three sets to West Virginia State.
 
Central State Match
The Saints narrowly lost the first two sets but rallied to take sets three and four to force a decisive fifth set. Maryville roared out of the gates in the fifth as Abbie Schnell served three straight aces. Mckenna Brauman added a kill for a 4-0 lead. The Saints still led 6-3 before Grace Knadler put down a ball, and Schnell tipped in a shot. An error by Central State handed the Saints an 8-3 edge. The margin was still 9-5 before Rachel Hurt had a kill, and Hannah Scrum served up an ace. The Saints went up 12-5 on another Central State error. The Saints kept up the attack, and a Brauman kill ended the match at 15-8.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Makenna Brauman - 12
Hitting Percentage: Grace Knadler - .556
Assists: Abbie Schnell – 35
Service Aces: Abbie Schnell - 4
Digs: Regina Elguezabal - 20
Blocks: Ella Kosky - 4
 
Records
Maryville: 1-0
Central State: 0-1
 
West Virginia State Match
The Saints were unable to generate an offensive attack against a squad favored to win the Mountain East Conference. The Saints hit .131 while West Virginia State hit over .250.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Rachel Hurt - 12
Hitting Percentage: Rachel Hurt - .296
Assists: Abbie Schnell – 24
Service Aces: Abbie Schnell - 2
Digs: Regina Elguezabal and Taylor Hasbrook - 8
Blocks: Ashlyn Clayton - 2
 
Records
Maryville: 1-1
West Virginia State: 2-0
 
What's Next?
The Saints close out the tournament Saturday against the host team Kentucky State with a 3 p.m. (CT) contest.