Sept. 29, 2001
MORAGA, Calif. - The 20th-ranked Santa Clara University volleyball team broke a three-match losing streak by defeating Saint Mary's in three games tonight at the McKeon Pavilion. Game scores were 31-29, 30-23, 30-13. With the victory, SCU improves to 8-4 overall, 1-1 in league play, while Saint Mary's falls to 2-8, 0-2.
Sophomore Jessie Mechem tied her career high in kills for the third time this season, with 16 against the Gaels. She was one of four Broncos to reach double figures in that category, as sophomore Becky Potter posted 12 and senior Jami Bari and Toni Muratore added 11 each.
The Broncos hit .450 in the final frame en route to outhitting SMC .262 to .139 on the night. Included in those stats was an error-free night by Muratore, who hit .611 on 18 attempts.
SCU also posted a season-high 12 service aces, two short of the program record for a three-game match. Bari led the way five, while Mechem, freshman Megan Johnston and sophomore Kelli Sousa added two each.
Despite being outblocked six to two, Santa Clara's defense was strong in the digs category. Five players posted at least 10, led by Bari's 16, for a team-leading eighth double-double this season.
Rachel Avilla led Saint Mary's with 11 kills.
The Broncos return to the Bay Area for a three-match homestand, beginning with fourth-ranked Stanford on Tuesday. Santa Clara returns to league play on Friday against Gonzaga and Saturday against Portland. All three matches will begin at 7 p.m. on their respective dates at the Leavey Center.