Top-seeded Mount de Sales is looking to win its second consecutive IAAM A Conference volleyball title and its post-season push began Tuesday with a three game sweep of eighth-seeded Chapelgate Christian, which gave the Sailors a battle in all three games.
Hannah Schmidt had 17 kills, nine digs and five service aces during the 25-11, 26-24, 25-15 victory. Taylor Beaumont added nine kills, six digs and three blocks, while Caroline Case contributed six kills, two block kills and three digs to the Sailors’ victory.
In addition Megan Sedney had 15 digs, Jodi Schneider had four kills and two block kills and Chelsea Ownsby had 30 assists.
“Chapelgate came out with such great heart and desire that it really kept my girls on their toes and in some situations,” Mount de Sales head coach Monica Owensby. “Chapelgate served well and gave every play and every rally their all, they came out playing with nothing to lose and with everything to gain. Kudos to Chapelgate.”
Owensby also had high praise for one of her own.
“I would also like to give recognition to Hannah Schmidt, really putting forth her leadership and taking charge of motivating and pushing the team to victory,” said Owensby. “Every player did their part but seeing Hannah really step up as the team’s captain and leader, helped the team overcome a deficit in set two and keep that momentum going into the third set.”
The Sailors will now host fourth-seeded Seton Keough which swept Notre Dame Prep in another quarterfinal. The Gators also had a tough test, prevailing 25-22, 25-20 and 25-23.
On the other half of the draw, second-seeded Archbishop Spalding had a slightly easier time of it, defeating McDonogh in three – 25-18, 25-13 and 25-18.
The Cavaliers will now host third-seeded St. Paul’s School for Girls on Thursday.
The Gators had the toughest match of all, going five sets before topping Bryn Mawr, 24-26, 25-20, 25-16, 27-29 and 15-10.
Hailey Fitzgerald paced the win with 10 kills and 31 assists. Kabria Haskins had nine kills and four blocks on the evening, while Carina Thunell and Katherine Gill chipped in eight and six kills, respectively. Sarah Bowman had 29 digs and was 23-for-25 from the serving line.
Junior Susannah Matthai led Bryn Mawr with 19 kills, four aces and 22-of-22 serving. Senior Rachel Franks concluded her IAAM volleyball career with 10 kills, with 12-of-16 serving and three aces.
“We had our opportunities but couldn’t capitalize,” said Bryn Mawr coach Tim Dunbar. “St. Paul’s made the plays they needed to make and deserve credit for hanging tough in a closely contested match.”
