September 7, 2008
ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Katelyn Kershner led a balanced St. Mary’s University attack with seven kills, but the Rattlers fell to Chaminade University, 25-17, 25-23, 25-22, on the final day of the Central Washington Invitational Volleyball Tournament Saturday.
Kershner (So., San Antonio) had seven kills against just two attack errors, and picked up four digs as well. Four other Rattlers had six kills in the match, including Holly Moreno (Fr., Pearland), who totaled six kills against no attack errors and had a team-high three blocks. Sondra Cui (Fr., Schertz) had another double-double with 24 assists and 12 digs. Valerie Teter (Sr., San Antonio) led the team with 18 digs.
The Rattlers hung with the Silverswords for most of the first set, but a decisive 9-1 run gave Chaminade a nine-point lead and they went on to win the set 25-17. The Silverswords looked to run away with the second set, taking an early 13-6 lead. However, the Rattlers rallied and eventually tied the set at 22-22. However Chaminade held off the Rattlers for the 25-23 win in the second set. In the third set the Silverswords again took the early lead at 8-3, but the Rattlers rallied and took the lead back. St. Mary’s put together a 15-6 run, keyed by three kills from Kershner, to take an 18-14 lead late in the set. But the Silverswords finished the set with five straight points to take the win from the Rattlers.
With the loss the Rattlers fell to 3-4 this season. They will return to action on Wednesday when they travel to Kingsville to face Texas A&M University-Kingsville in a non-conference match at 5 p.m.