October 24, 2009
Goodwell, Okla. – St. Mary’s used some hot hitting, serving and blocking to roll to its second straight victory, defeating Oklahoma Panhandle State University, 25-21, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19, in Heartland Conference volleyball action Saturday afternoon at Oscar Williams Arena.
Setting the tone in the match was the Rattlers serving. St. Mary’s set a four-set school record for service aces, picking up a total of 18 to top the previous record of 16, set against St. Edward’s in 2006. The total was also the second most for any length match in school history, with the record of 22 coming against OPSU in three sets during the 2004 season. Kori McCarver (Jr., San Antonio) and Sondra Cui (So., Schertz) each led the way individually with five aces each. The two each now are tied for third in a single match for aces.
The Rattlers and Aggies split the first two sets, both of which were back-and-forth hotly contested sets. However, St. Mary’s took over in the final two sets, running out to early leads and rolling to easy wins that clinched the match victory.
Katelyn Kershner (Jr., San Antonio) led the Rattlers with 13 kills and nine digs. McCarver added eight kills, seven digs and four blocks to her five aces. Stephanie Flores (So., San Antonio) led the defense with 11 digs.
With the win, St. Mary’s improved to 6-19 overall, 5-6 in Heartland Conference play and have won two straight matches. OPSU fell to 1-22 overall, 0-10. The Rattlers have never lost to OPSU. St. Mary’s will return to action on Wednesday when they host the University of the Incarnate Word at Bill Greehey Arena at 7 p.m. It will be a special night, as the Rattlers will host their annual “Dig Pink” night, with all proceeds going to breast cancer research.
St. Mary’s (Texas) def. Oklahoma Panhandle 25-21, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19