ST. LOUIS – The Maryville University volleyball team had to go the distance to defeat Upper Iowa in the Great Lakes Valley Conference season opener for both squads. The win gave Saints head coach
Gretchen Moser the 100th NCAA victory of her career. Maryville prevailed 25-12, 21-25, 18-25, 25-14, 15-8.
Natalie Frazier hammered down a season-high 18 kills, while
Emma Keele added 14 kills.
Ella Domian tied her season best with 11 kills, while
Joanna Gillen posted a season-high seven blocks.
Cami Kohmetscher notched a double-double with season-highs of 29 assists and 15 digs.
How it Happened
In the decisive fifth set, the Saints held a 3-2 lead before taking command with four straight points. Domian drilled down a kill, and
Mallory Sell served an ace. A block by Frazier and Gillen forced a UIU timeout. The Peacocks committed an error for a 7-2 Maryville lead. After a UIU point, Domian answered with another kill. The visitors got within 9-5 before UIU had a miscue.
Madi Hartman served an ace, and a Longanbach kill pushed the Saints on top 12-5. The Peacocks got as close as 13-8 but Keele finished off a pass from
Cami Kohmetscher for match point. The Peacocks hit a shot long as the Saints prevailed 15-8.
The Saints dominated set one by hitting .412 while holding the Peacocks to a .037 mark. UIU picked up its offensive attack to take sets two and three before the Saints again asserted their dominant play. Maryville hit .333 in the fourth set, while holding UIU to a -.030 hitting percentage.
Statistical Leaders
Kills:
Natalie Frazier - 18
Hitting Percentage:
Leslie Longanbach - .500
Assists:
Cami Kohmetscher - 29
Service Aces:
Emma Keele and
Mallory Sell - 3
Digs:
Mallory Sell - 17
Blocks:
Joanna Gillen - 7
Records
Maryville: 6-5, 1-0 GLVC
Upper Iowa: 3-6, 0-1 GLVC
WHAT'S UP NEXT:
The Saints continue at home as they host Truman State Saturday, Sept. 19, for a 3 pm match.
