SHERMAN, Texas – The University of St. Thomas volleyball team left it all on the court Friday evening, pushing the Southwestern Pirates to five sets in the SCAC Volleyball Tournament semifinal on the campus of Austin College. Despite a valiant effort, the Celts fell just short, 3-2, ending their season with a 15-17 record.
How It Happened
Southwestern opened the match strong, capitalizing on St. Thomas' errors to claim the first set, 25-20. The Celts responded in dominating fashion, holding the Pirates to a .000 attack percentage in the second set while improving to .333 themselves. Behind stellar defense and sharp offense, St. Thomas cruised to a 25-9 victory to tie the match at one set apiece.
The third set was a thrilling battle with 15 ties and neither team gaining more than a three-point advantage. With the score locked at 22, the Celts showed their resilience, sealing the 25-23 win thanks to a crucial block by sophomore middle blocker Brenna Groenemann.
St. Thomas carried momentum into the fourth set and grabbed a 19-18 lead, but Southwestern responded with a 7-2 run to force a deciding fifth set with a 25-21 victory. In the final frame, the Pirates surged to a 9-3 lead, but the Celts fought back, cutting the deficit to 13-11. Despite their rally, St. Thomas ultimately fell, 15-11, in a hard-fought conclusion to the match.
Celts Standout Performances
- Alexis Bodunrin: 12 kills, 2 service aces, 20 digs, 2 blocks
- Audrey Cataline: 10 kills, 4 digs
- Laynee Beam: 7 kills, 5 blocks
- Ariana Willis: 8 kills, 5 digs, 2 blocks
- Kendall Howard: 28 assists, 9 digs
Notable Moments
The Celts showcased their grit throughout the match, especially in the third set, where they outlasted Southwestern in a back-and-forth affair. The team's second-set dominance, highlighted by sharp attacking and tough defense, was a testament to their determination and skill.
Though the Celts' season ended in the semifinals, their performance in the SCAC Tournament demonstrated their ability to compete with the league's top teams. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the future looks bright for St. Thomas volleyball.
