Volleyball Falters in Home Opener Despite Several Career Highs

SAN ANTONIO — The results on the scoreboard weren't what fans of the St. Mary's University Volleyball team wanted for the home opener, but there were several positive takeaways from the 3-1 loss to Texas Woman's University.
 
The Rattlers (5-7, 0-1 Lone Star Conference) dropped the match 23-25, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, but saw freshman Kelly Swyers (Austin, Texas) record a career-high with four blocks. She tied her previous career-high of three in the first set and added another in the third set. Swyers was also one off her career-high with nine kills, hitting .300 (9-3-20) on the night. 
 
Junior transfer Landry Cate (Hot Springs, Ark.) also posted a career-high in blocks, leading the match with five. She also had six kills with no hitting errors. Junior setter Cali Nims posted the sixth double-double of the season and the 22nd of her career with 25 assists and a team-high 13 digs. Nims also added two ace serves as the Rattlers recorded four with only two errors.
 
Sophomore Landri Withers notched a double-double, her fourth of the season with a team-best 12 kills and 11 digs. 
 
Like last season, the teams traded points in the first set, seeing 10 ties and five lead changes. The last tie was at 23-23 before the Pioneers (9-3, 1-0 Lone Star) recorded back-to-back kills for the win. In 2022, each of the first three sets was decided by two points and went extra points to decide. The next three sets on Friday featured only two ties and two lead changes.
 
St. Mary's has a quick turnaround, welcoming Midwestern State to Bill Greehey on Saturday for a 2 p.m. start. The Mustangs lost at St. Edward's on Friday evening in straight sets.