Sept. 10, 2005

Box Score

Moraga, CA - The 23rd ranked Saint Mary's volleyball team opened their home schedule with a 3-0 victory over Florida A&M on Saturday night at McKeon Pavilion. The Gaels improved to 6-1 on the season with the 30-28, 30-19, 30-25 win.

Sophomore outside hitter Missie Stidham led the way for the Gaels, recording 14 kills with a .429 hitting percentage and added seven digs. Mandy Bible also led the offense with a double-double, recording 34 assists, 10 digs and six blocks.

In Game 1, the Gaels were led by Cassandra Kolkka, who recorded five kills in the closest game of the night. Bible also recorded 15 assists as the Gaels scored the final two points of the game for the victory. As a team Saint Mary's hit .205 and held Florida A&M to a .083 hitting percentage.

In Game 2, Saint Mary's jumped out to a quick start and never looked back. Stidham had three kills, and three digs and Bible added seven digs and two blocks. The Gaels hit .212 to the Rattlers -.026.

In Game 3, the Gaels were led by Stidham, who opened up the offense with eight kills in the game. Kaui Salzman added four kills in the third game and Bible had 14 assists. Saint Mary's hit .333, while Florida A&M hit .184.

Overall Salzman recorded nine kills, eight digs and six blocks, while Kolkka had nine kills and six digs and Christina Kirk had six kills, seven blocks and three aces. Freshman Brittany Barker recorded five kills and six blocks and Lauren Holland had two aces.

Saint Mary's returns to action on Thursday, September 15 when it faces No. 3 ranked Stanford in the first game of the Stanford Tournament. The game begins at 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion. The Gaels will also face UC Santa Barbara on Friday at 5 p.m. and Utah State on Saturday at 7 p.m. All games will be played at Maples Pavilion.