North STL News

The University of Missouri-St. Louis volleyball team secured two victories on Friday at the Midwest Region Crossover, held at the Hammond Sportsplex in Hammond, Indiana. The Tritons improved their season record to 15-4 after defeating Hillsdale College 3-1 and Davenport University 3-0.

In the first match against Hillsdale, UMSL lost the opening set 25-22 despite narrowing a seven-point deficit late in the frame. Hillsdale's offense was effective early, with Adi Sysum recording five kills on seven attempts and Grace Drake adding four more. UMSL responded in the second set by establishing a large lead and holding Hillsdale to a .086 hitting percentage, ultimately winning the set after a kill from Bridget Cassady.

The third set saw UMSL take control following a 9-1 run and maintain its advantage despite a late push from Hillsdale. Maggie Johnson and Alayna Santel each contributed five kills during this stretch. The final frame was tightly contested with multiple ties and lead changes until back-to-back kills from Santel helped secure match point for UMSL, and Cassady delivered the decisive kill.

UMSL finished the match with a .241 hitting percentage, totaling 61 kills and 23 errors on 158 attempts. Santel led all players with 18 kills; Johnson added 16, while Cassady and Hannah Copeland had nine each. Caitlin Bishop distributed 50 assists, Skylar Weaver tallied 20 digs, and Iyannah Jackson recorded five blocks.

In their second match of the day against Davenport, UMSL overcame an early deficit with a decisive 12-0 run in the first set before closing it out at 25-16 following another key play by Santel. The Tritons then pulled away in both subsequent sets—outscoring Davenport down the stretch of the second set and posting a .364 hitting percentage in the third to win 25-18.

Cassady paced UMSL with 11 kills against Davenport; Jackson and Santel each had nine. Both Jackson and Santel also registered three blocks apiece. Bishop contributed 36 assists while Santel collected 11 digs.

UMSL is scheduled to conclude its participation in the Midwest Region Crossover on Saturday with a match against Wayne State (Mich.) at Hammond Sportsplex.