Volleyball Moves to 2-0 in Lone Star Play

ALPINE, Texas — The St. Mary's University Volleyball team gave a rude welcome to Lone Star Conference newcomers Sul Ross State, sweeping the Lobos on their home floor, 25-18, 25-23, 25-12 to improve to 10-3 overall and 2-0 in league action.

Junior middle blocker Dallasstar Johnson (San Antonio) continued her hot play, recording 11 kills on 19 swings for a .526 (11-1-19) hitting percentage. Fellow middle blocker Olivia Rubio (San Antonio) was right behind her with eight kills on 17 swings to hit .412 (8-1-17) and she led the match with four blocks. 

Senior Alicia Virthe (Orlando, Fla.) also ended the afternoon in double digits in the kills column with 10.

Junior libero Alyssa Koehl (New Braunfels, Texas) sparked the defense with 24 kills and four aces, while junior Landri Withers (Stephenville, Texas) had 27 of the team's 50 receptions with no errors and she added seven digs.

Freshman Taylor Alston (San Antonio) got the first extended action of her career, recording four kills, three blocks and two digs in two sets.

The sweep is the fifth straight for the Rattlers, the longest stretch of straight set wins since the 2000 team won 11 consecutive via the sweep. That team was 35-5 and won both the Heartland Conference regular season and tournament.

The 10-3 start is also the best for St. Mary's since the 2011 team began 12-1. That club finished 17-13.

The Rattlers return to the friendly confines of Bill Greehey Arena next week, hosting Oklahoma Christian and Cameron for the second time this season. Friday against OC is slated for a 6 p.m. first serve, while Saturday against CU will start at 2 p.m.

News & Notes:
* The four service aces by Alyssa Koehl ties her career-high. It is the fourth time in her career she's accomplished the feat.
* Koehl's 24 digs also move her up one spot on the career charts to 11th with 1,145. She passes Karlie Ortega, who recorded 1,139 from 2010-13.
• Dallasstar Johnson posted the 35th solo block of her career, moving her into 15th on the school's career charts. She passes Julia Deais, who had 34 from 2018-21.
• This is the second time the Rattlers have started 2-0 in Lone Star Conference play. The 2020 team that played in the spring started 2-0 before losing 10 straight.
• The Rattlers are now 4-1 all-time against the Lobos (1-7, 1-1 LSC) and 2-0 under Head Coach Laura Ulrich with wins in 2023 and 2024.