ST. LOUIS – The Maryville men's volleyball team roared to its first victory of the season with a dominating 25-18, 25-20, 25-14 decision over Brescia. The Saints hit .425 with 46 kills to key the victory. Makai Scott had 13 kills and six digs, while Luke Kraft had 11 kills and recorded a .471 hitting percentage. Jake Usher handed out 24 assists, while Zac Clark also finished with six digs.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints were down 7-6 but jumped ahead via a 5-0 run. After a Brescia error, Kraft put down a kill. David Fleischer and Lee combined on a block, and AJ Robateau served an ace. A kill by Scott put the Saints ahead 11-7. Maryville's margin was 13-11 before Fleischer had a kill and an ace. Scott put down a kill for a 16-11 advantage. The Saints took command with a 4-1 run and closed the set with a block by Robateau and Scott. The Saints hit at a .458 clip in the opener.
 

🏐 | MAKAI SCOTT!!! WITH NO REGARD FOR BEARCAT LIFE! 💥

The Dawgs are up by 5 in the first set!@MaryvilleMVB | #BigRedM 🐾 pic.twitter.com/kvRGHUrgsp

— Maryville Athletics (@MaryvilleSaints) January 28, 2025

 
Brescia eased to a 14-8 lead until the Saints answered with an 8-0 burst. Following a Bearcat error, Scott pounded down three straight kills. Maryville forced two straight errors until Scott posted a solo block. A Lee kill put the Saints on top 16-14. Later, Kraft had a kill and an ace, and a another kill by Scott made it 20-16. A Doran kill and Brescia error gave the Saints the 25-20 win.
 

🏐 | WHAT. A. POINT! 👀

Dawgs up in the second! 🔥@MaryvilleMVB | #BigRedM pic.twitter.com/uPN04DetNN

— Maryville Athletics (@MaryvilleSaints) January 28, 2025

 
Maryville grabbed early control in set three with a 4-1 opening. Doran and Victor Ganev started with kills, and Doran and Scott followed for the lead. Four straight points put the Saints ahead 9-3 and they started to pull away. Maryville put the set away with eight unanswered points. Kraft ignited the run with two kills before Doran followed with three straight kills. After a Ganev kill, Joe Nicometo added a kill, and a block combo by Doran and Ganev gave the Saints a 19-8 lead. Maryville had 18 kills and just three errors in the set for a .577 mark.

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Kills: Makai Scott - 13
Hitting Percentage: Kevin Doran - .500
Assists: Jake Usher - 24
Service Aces: David Fleischer - 3
Digs: Zac Clark and Makai Scott - 6
Blocks: David Fleischer, Cameron Lee, Makai Scott - 2
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 1-3
Brescia: 0-1
 
What's Next?
The Saints make the short trip to Lebanon, Ill., Friday, Jan. 31, to take on McKendree at 7 p.m.   Read Full Article