The University of St. Thomas delivered a dominant performance Saturday, winning both matches against Huntingdon and Willamette at the ETBU Invitational, improving to an overall 5-2 record.
UST vs Huntingdon
Starting strong, the Celts controlled the first match of the day, securing an impressive 25-10 win in the first set against the Hawks. St. Thomas eased up a little but still prevailed in a hard-fought 26-24 second-set victory. However, in the third set, St. Thomas faced more pushback than they could handle from the team from Alabama, who took set three 25-21. Regrouping in the fourth set, UST regained momentum and closed out the match with a 25-18 win.
Junior Audrey Cataline once again led the Celts with 17 kills and 13 digs, while fellow junior Kristin Kruger contributed 6 kills. Laynee Beam and Madison Baker each made a significant impact with 5 kills apiece. Defensively, the Celts continue to look very strong, Kara Spice led the way with 23 digs, supported by Kendall Howard with 9 digs, Mia Medina with 8 digs, and Ally Peters with 7 digs.
UST vs Willamette
In their second match, St. Thomas secured their second sweep of the season, dominating Willamette in the first set before fighting to finish off the team from Oregon and ending the ETBU Invitational with a 3-1 record.
The match began with UST dictating the pace and commanding a 25-11 first-set victory. The Bearcats mounted a strong comeback effort in the second set but fell short, with Celts taking the set 25-22. The third set proved to be a nail-biter as UST survived to claim the win 25-23 final.
The Celts were led by Alexis Bodunrin, who delivered 14 kills and 4 service aces. The usually offensive-minded Cataline led the defense with 18 digs while still delivering 13 Kills. Defensive leader Kara Spice didn't let Cataline defend on her own and assisted the Celts' defensive efforts with 14 digs. Always consistent, Kendall Howard added another solid performance with 9 digs.
Up Next
This concluded the Celts' road trip in Marshall, TX. UST returns home as they prepare for another road trip to Belton, TX. St. Thomas travels next to Belton, TX, where they will compete in the UHMB Invitational. The Celts open up in a rematch vs. Hardin Simmons on Friday, September 13th, before taking on Hendrix and UHMB on Saturday, September 14th.
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