Grand Rapids, Mich. — This match-up—one final Women's Volleyball meeting for WHAC & 'Saints' bragging rights between two long-time rivals—carried a meaning far deeper than a standard quarterfinal showdown. With Siena Heights closing permanently in the spring, Wednesday night marked the final Siena Heights Women's Volleyball contest in school history, adding a bittersweet gravity to an already emotional evening. While the energized crowd inside Coach Bo Court roared for the Aquinas victory, everyone in attendance recognized the significance of the moment.

Aquinas 3, Siena Heights 0 (25–20, 25–15, 25–18)

Aquinas wasted no time asserting control, using strong attacking efforts from Nevaeh Bakker (13 kills, .647), Lauren Chioini (13 kills, .522), and Kate Schneider (5 kills, .400) to take command early. Setter Natalie West was exceptional in rhythm and tempo, handing out 38 assists while adding seven digs and two aces to keep Siena Heights off balance throughout the evening. Cece Pelak chipped in nine kills and 11 points, while defensive anchors Bella Hommes (18 digs) and Kami Morse (seven digs) helped the Saints win crucial long rallies and deny any SHU momentum.

The Saints closed the match with poise and balance, using an 18-block-assist performance—led by Chioini's seven—to suffocate the Saints from Adrian at the net. Aquinas' depth showed with contributions from Jenna Lee (four kills), Chloe Hogarth, Julia Schweihofer, and West controlling the defensive backcourt. As the third set wound down, AQ executed cleanly in transition, finishing the sweep and advancing to the WHAC semifinals with confidence, efficiency, and trademark composure.

Class Act & Well Wishes
Following the match, the Aquinas Women's Volleyball Team delivered one of the most touching moments of the 2025 season, presenting a rose to each Siena Heights player and coach. It was a graceful reminder of what college athletics should be—competition fueled by passion, grounded in academics, elevated by character, and strengthened by community. AQ's heartfelt gesture transcended the scoreboard, honoring Siena Heights' legacy and emphasizing that true success is found not merely in wins, but in how our student-athletes demonstrate compassion, respect, and the NAIA's Championship of Character values.

Coach's Comments
Head Coach Ryan Campbell reflected proudly on his team's performance and the importance of starting the postseason with purpose, while also recognizing the significance of Siena Heights' final match:
"Tonight's win was exactly the kind of first-round response you hope to see in tournament play. Our focus, energy, and discipline set the tone, and I'm proud of how this group continues to rise to the moment. Afterwards, with this being Siena Heights' final match as a program, we wanted to honor our fellow Saints and acknowledge their coaches, players, and the legacy they've built—competing with class, pride, and heart."

Inside the Numbers
    • 47 team kills on .337 hitting
    • 38 assists for Natalie West
    • 13 kills each for Nevaeh Bakker and Lauren Chioini
    • 18 total block assists for the Saints
    • 18 digs for libero Bella Hommes

Up Next
The Saints take their next step toward another WHAC Tournament championship on Friday at 5:00 pm, hosting Rochester Christian in the semifinal round. The second semifinal—Cornerstone vs. Indiana Tech—will follow approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the AQ match. Every postseason contest will be streamed live on the AQ Saints Athletic Network, with Joey Sutherlin or Nate Wangler on the call. Visit AQSaints.com for live stats, streaming links, and complete postgame coverage as the Saints continue their postseason pursuit.

Milestone
For the third straight season, Aquinas Volleyball has cemented itself among the NAIA's elite. After going 31–9 in 2023, an eye-popping 40–3 in 2024, and now sitting at 30–5 in 2025, Coach Campbell's program has delivered three consecutive 30-win seasons, three straight trips to the NAIA National Tournament, and back-to-back undefeated WHAC campaigns. The trajectory is undeniable—Aquinas keeps getting stronger, deeper, and more dangerous each year, proving once again why it's always a great day to be a Saint.