Grand Rapids, Mich. — Sometimes you need to sit back and reflect on what you just witnessed. For all those who packed inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center for the NAIA Round 1 matchup between Aquinas and Lindsey Wilson, this was one of those special afternoons. Both squads battled with relentless defensive intensity, turning the opening round into a four-set classic. In the end, Aquinas found the final push to pull away from the Blue Raiders, but the lasting image of the day will be the grit and emotion shared by two championship-caliber programs.

Aquinas 3, Lindsey Wilson 1 (25–23, 25–18, 28–30, 25–19)

Aquinas clawed their way to a tight first-set win behind early firepower from Lauren Chioini, who was hitting above 70% through the opening frame and asserting herself as the most efficient attacker on the floor. Lindsey Wilson's block created issues early, but the Saints stayed calm in long rallies. Cece Pelak and Nevaeh Bakker added important swings late in the set, while Natalie West helped stabilize the tempo and distribute the ball to all three pins. A late push by the Blue Raiders closed the gap, but the Saints held on for the 25–23 victory.

The Saints played their cleanest volleyball in set two, stretching the floor with West's quick tempo and strong service pressure. Bella Hommes anchored the back row with elite passing and coverage, helping extend multiple rallies that eventually turned in AQ's favor. Chioini stayed hot on the pin, and Pelak contributed several clutch swings as Aquinas created separation midway through the set. A key block from Jenna Lee helped seal momentum as AQ rolled to a 25–18 win.

Set three turned into an instant classic. Pelak found nine of her 16 kills in the frame, hammering balls from both pins while Chioini continued her steady production. Lindsey Wilson, facing elimination, matched the Saints point-for-point. Despite Aquinas earning multiple set-point opportunities, the Blue Raiders came up with timely digs and a pair of late kills to escape with a 30–28 win. Although the Saints dropped the marathon set, their composure never faltered as they huddled and regrouped for the fourth.

Aquinas responded with purpose in the fourth. The Saints jumped out behind early kills from Bakker and a massive stuff block involving Chioini and Pelak. Hommes transformed the set into a defensive showcase, digging anything that came her way on her path to 22 total digs. West kept the offense balanced, getting touches for Mel Beachnau and Kate Schneider, who added a key kill late. With the crowd exploding after every rally, Aquinas surged to a 25–19 finish and punched its ticket to the NAIA final 24.

Home but not Home

While Aquinas served as the host, NAIA rules deem Opening Round matches as neutral sites. That designation was irrelevant once the first whistle blew. The Sturrus crowd was thunderous from start to finish—so loud at times it felt like the roof might shake loose. Multiple AQ teams showed up in force, and despite basketball and swim & dive being on the road, a true "Saints at home" environment erupted. Both teams played outstanding volleyball, and Aquinas salutes Lindsey Wilson on a tremendous season.

Coach's Comments

Head Coach Ryan Campbell spoke about his team's resolve and the emotional swings of postseason volleyball:

"Today was about poise and toughness. We came out strong, had to regroup after dropping that wild third set, and our athletes answered exactly the way you hope they would in November. I'm incredibly proud of this group. Now we turn the page and get ready for the final 24."

Inside the Numbers

     • 20 kills from Lauren Chioini, leading all attackers
     • 43 assists from Natalie West, directing a balanced AQ attack
     • 22 digs from Bella Hommes to anchor the defense
     • 16 kills and 19.5 points from Cece Pelak in a strong two-way outing
     • 9 kills from Nevaeh Bakker in another efficient postseason effort
     • 4 service aces for Aquinas, including momentum-turning serves in key stretches

Up Next

Aquinas and Coach Campbell now wait to learn their destination and group assignment for the NAIA final-site pool play. As soon as details are released, AQSaints.com will have a full preview and broadcast information. Stay tuned for live stats, streaming links, and complete tournament coverage as Aquinas continues its postseason march, and reminds the AQ community, that every day is a great day to be an AQ Saint!!!