ST. LOUIS – Makai Scott hammered down 18 kills while Jake Usher recorded his first career double-double with 30 assists and a career-high 13 digs as the Maryville men's volleyball team swept Barton for its first win of the season. The Saints cruised to a 25-17, 25-22, 25-17 decision.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The score was tied at 14-14 before the Saints reeled off five straight points to take control. After two Barton errors, Usher and AJ Robateau combined on a block. Robateau notched a kill, and a Scott kill pushed the Saints ahead 19-14. BC finally scored but kills from Scott, Usher and Robateau gave the Saints momentum. Maryville scored the final three points as a Peter Soczewka kill ended the set 25-17.
 
Maryville held an 8-6 edge before the Saints scored three straight, capped by Aidan Whitemountain's kill for an 11-6 margin. The Saints scored three straight with a Tristan Benbow putting the margin at 22-16. A Scott kill gave the Saints set point, and after a Barton kill, Robateau drilled in a kill for a 25-22 win.
 
Barton took a narrow 6-5 in the third set until the Saints scored six of the next seven points. Scott tallied three straight kills. After a BC point, he tacked on another kill before one by Robateau. A Bulldogs error put the Saints on top 11-7. Maryville's margin sook at 12-10 before taking control with six unanswered points. Usher tipped in a kill and the Saints defense forced three straight miscues. After a Jayden Rookhuyzen kill, Whitemountain followed for an 18-10 advantage. The Saints tacked on three straight points, and a kill from Usher ended the match 25-17.
 
The Saints hit .310 in the match while holding Barton to just a .103 mark.

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Kills: Makai Scott - 18
Hitting Percentage: AJ Robateau - .700
Assists: Jake Usher - 30
Service Aces: Peter Soczewka and Jake Usher - 1
Digs: Zac Clark - 16
Blocks: AJ Robateau and Jake Usher - 2
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 1-5
Barton: 1-3
 
What's Next?
The Saints go on their shortest road trip of the season as they make the trek to Missouri Baptist Tuesday, Feb. 3, in a 7 pm start.