Saint Mary’s volleyball dropped a 3-0 decision on the road to Albion Wednesday evening, moving to 15-10 overall and 2-5 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play. Albion improved to 22-4 (5–2 MIAA) with the win.
The Belles opened the first set with early momentum, building a five-point lead through effective serve receive and clean offensive swings. Sophomore outside hitter Kalli Lewkowski contributed several kills, while junior setter Abby Reese distributed sets to the outside and middle hitters. Albion responded with a 9-2 run, leveraging consistent serving and transition offense to take control. Saint Mary’s narrowed the deficit late in the set, but Albion closed it 25-19.
The second set remained close throughout, with both teams trading points and neither gaining a lead larger than two for much of the frame. Junior middle blocker Caroline Carens recorded multiple block touches and executed quick attacks to maintain offensive options in transition. The Belles reached set point at 24-21 after strong defensive coverage and well-placed swings, but Albion extended the set and ultimately won 28-26, shifting momentum heading into the third.
Albion maintained control in the final set, using strong serving and floor defense to keep Saint Mary’s in high-ball situations and limit offensive tempo. The Britons closed out the match 25-15.
Saint Mary’s leaders included Lewkowski, who finished with 10 kills on .409 hitting, and Carens, who added nine kills and five blocks. Reese and sophomore setter Giuliana Graczyk recorded 14 assists each, while senior libero Karli Fegan led with 17 digs, helping stabilize the backcourt and serve-receive rotations.
The Belles now turn their focus to the final match of the regular season. They will travel to Olivet on Saturday, Nov. 8, for a 4:30 p.m. start, looking to close conference play with improved execution in serve receive, transition offense and sideout conversions.
