Marian University women’s volleyball (0-2, 0-0 NACC) fell to Saint Mary’s (Minn.) and UW-La Crosse in straight sets to open the season.
 

MARIAN VS. SAINT MARY’S (MINN.) / 25-11, 29-27, 26-24

• Marian got out to a slow start especially on the offensive side of the ball as the Cardinals took a 1-0 lead.
• The second set was much closer only to have the Cardinals use a 6-1 run to lead 17-11.
• The Sabres were then able to show life scoring six consecutive points to tie the set at 17-17.
• After SMU rattled off five straight points, Marian responded using a 6-1 spurt to tie the set at 23-23.
• Marian was able to hold off a set-point opportunity for the Cardinals at 24-23, but Marian would be denied twice.
• After the Sabres stopped a second set-point chance, the Cardinals were finally able to take the set on its third chance.
• Marian was able to get out to a quick start in the third jumping ahead 14-7.
• The Cardinals were able to chip away at the Marian lead but the Sabres were able to hold on for a 24-22 advantage.
• Saint Mary’s (Minn.) would rally scoring four straight points to clinch the sweep.

MARIAN VS. UW-LA CROSSE / 25-15, 25-17, 25-20

• The two squads battled back and forth to open the match with UWL holding a 14-12 advantage.
• The Eagles were able to take control of the opening set with a 9-2 run.
• Using the momentum from the strong finish, UWL opened the second set with a 13-4 lead and cruised to take the second set.
• Marian bounced back opening the third set with a 6-4 edge.
• UWL was able to take the lead for good with a 7-1 run and went on to secure a sweep.

MARIAN VS. SAINT MARY’S (MINN.)

• The Sabre offense had a tough open to the season only hitting .160 with 21 attack errors.
• Despite the low hitting percentage, Marian held a 41-38 advantage in digs.
• The back row also had a 52-50 edge in digs, while the front row had four blocks.
• This was only the third sweep in the all-time series between the two squads, all SMU wins.

MARIAN VS. UW-LA CROSSE

• Marian committed 25 attack errors in the match with the Eagles recording 13 blocks.
• The Sabres fall to 1-5 all-time against UWL with this being the first match-up since 2000.

	Senior Kaitlyn Merrill had 16 kills between the two matches and a pair of service aces.
	Sophomore Alana McDermott paced the back row with 19 digs in her first matches as a Sabre.
	Freshman Cami Arno finished with 43 assists including a double-double against SMU where she had 33 assists and 10 digs.