October 17, 2008
San Antonio – Sarah Moreno led a balanced St. Mary’s offensive attack with 10 kills as St. Mary’s University rolled past Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 25-14, 25-20, 25-21, in Heartland Conference volleyball action Friday night at Bill Greehey Arena.
In the first set the Rattlers fell behind early 8-3, but then outscored the Aggies, 19-3 to take a commanding 22-11 lead and won easily 25-14. The Rattlers took the early lead in the second set at 8-3, but OPSU rallied time and again, pulling to within two points twice, but kills by KaSandra Larios (Fr., Harlingen) and Moreno (Sr., Pearland) gave the Rattlers a 25-20 win in the second set. The Aggies continued their stronger play in the third set and led most of the first half of the set, but the Rattlers rallied for the win.
Moreno had 10 kills and two blocks to lead the way offensively. Stephanie Crowell (Jr., The Woodlands) added nine kills. Kirsten Chapman (Fr., Jourdanton) had six kills and five blocks. Sondra Cui (Fr., Schertz) had 33 assists and six digs.
With the win the Rattlers ended a four-match losing streak and are now 7-12 overall, 4-4 in Heartland Conference play. OPSU fell to 3-18, 0-7. The Rattlers will return to action on Saturday when they host Newman University at 2 p.m.