September 21, 2008
San Antonio – Katelyn Kershner led the way individually as St. Mary’s University won its second straight match, 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 25-14, over Newman University in Heartland Conference volleyball action Saturday afternoon at Fugate Gymnasium.
Kershner (So., San Antonio) led a balanced offensive attack for the Rattlers with 10 kills, against just two attack errors. She also added 13 digs to post a double-double. Four other Rattlers had at least six kills in the match, with Sarah Moreno (Sr., Pearland), Stephanie Crowell (Jr., The Woodlands) and Holly Moreno (Fr., Pearland) each posting seven kills, while Kori McCarver (So., San Antonio) had six. Setter Sondra Cui (Fr., Schertz) had 36 assists and nine digs.
The Rattlers took an early 8-2 lead in the first set and looked to be cruising when Newman rallied. The Jets went on a 15-8 run to take a 17-16 lead on a kill by Chelsey Potter. But the Rattlers settled down and won the next seven points to retake a commanding lead at 23-17. Three kills by McCarver and a kill by Kershner on set point gave the Rattlers a 25-21 win.
In the second set, the Rattlers again took the early lead, but the Jets went on a 6-1 run and pulled away late for a 25-21 win, tying the match at one set each. In the third set the Rattlers took the early lead for the third straight set at 8-3. Newman rallied to pull within one at 12-11, but the Rattlers took command thanks to a 7-2 run and cruised to the 25-17 win. In the final set, a 10-2 run late helped St. Mary’s run away for a 25-14 win in the final set.
With the win the Rattlers are now 5-7 overall and 2-0 in Heartland Conference play this season. Newman is 4-11, 0-2. St. Mary’s will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 25 when they host St. Edward’s University at 7 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena.