Grand Rapids, Mich. - The No. 12-ranked Saints extended their winning streak to 12 matches with a thrilling sweep over the Cornerstone Eagles. This marks Aquinas' fourth consecutive sweep, improving their record to 20-1 (6-0).

Aquinas 3, Cornerstone 0 (25-19, 25-16, 32-30) 

Aquinas started the first set strong jumping on an early 3-1 lead with key kills from Samee Teachworth and Mallory Keller. Cornerstone quickly responded with a six-point run that put the Saints in a 10-4 deficit. With AQ on the back burner, Lauren Chioini ignited a rally with a crucial kill that sparked an eight-point swing. This comeback was fueled by another kill from Keller complimented by her three service aces, putting the team ahead 22-18. Julia Schweihofer sealed the set at 25-19 with two service aces.

The second set mirrored the first, with AQ taking an early 3-1 lead, again led by Teachworth. The Golden Eagles briefly rallied with three points, but the Saints responded by shutting them out for eight straight points. This dominant stretch featured three kills from Chioini, three more from Keller, and two service aces from Lydia Harper, putting AQ up 11-4. Cornerstone fought back to close the gap to within two points, but the Saints countered with a five-point run, extending their lead to 21-14. Chioini then delivered the final kill to secure a 25-16 victory in the second set.

The final set of the night had the crowd roaring as the teams traded points in a back-and-forth battle. The teams were locked in a tight contest, but Aquinas broke out with a three-point run, led by big kills from Keller and Harper, to go up 13-11. The momentum shifted as Cornerstone responded with a three-point run of their own, putting AQ down 18-16.The Saints quickly answered by stringing together five points, highlighted by a kill and block from Teachworth and a service ace from Chloe Hogarth, reclaiming the lead at 21-18. In the final moments, the teams found themselves in a deadlock, trading points and pushing the set into extra points. A bad set from Cornerstone and two clutch kills from Keller finally secured the Saints' 32-30 victory, capping off a thrilling 90's night win.

By the Numbers 

• AQ dominated the aces out scoring CU 14-5

• Chioini built a wall and put up 7 blocks and added 12 kills 

• Bella Hommes performed defensively and tallied 20 digs 

• Keller led the Saints in kills recording 17 and five service aces

 

Up Next 

The Saints will hit the road this Friday (Sep. 27) for a double header scheduled for 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to take on Rochester Christian and Great Lakes Christian.