South Bend, IN — While most people spent their Labor Day weekend relaxing, the Aquinas women's volleyball team was grinding through a pair of grueling five-set battles — showing grit, resilience, and the heart of a team on the rise. After suffering a heartbreaking five-set loss in the morning to Bethel, the Saints regrouped and stormed back in the evening with a hard-fought five-set victory over Grace. For head coach Ryan Campbell, the day wasn't just about splitting matches; it was about seeing his squad respond to adversity, grow stronger together, and sharpen themselves for the always-demanding WHAC conference slate that lies ahead.

Match 1: Bethel 3, Aquinas 2 (26–24, 25–14, 14–25, 19–25, 20–18)

The Saints (3–2) battled through a thriller in the morning session, pushing host Bethel (IN) to the brink before falling 3–2. After dropping the first two sets, Aquinas fought back with commanding wins in the third and fourth, forcing a decisive fifth frame.

Outside hitters Cece Pelak and Nevaeh Bakker powered the offense, with Pelak recording 23 kills (.246) and Bakker delivering 13 kills on a blistering .571 hitting percentage. Lauren Chioini also provided 13 kills, giving AQ a strong trio up front. Setter Natalie West dished out 29 assists to go with nine digs and a service ace, while fellow setter Taylor Reha added 19 assists and five digs in three sets of action. Libero Bella Hommes anchored the back row with 16 digs, supported by Jenna Lee's eight digs and five kills. Freshman Kate Schneider made an impact at the net with four block assists, and veteran Jeralyn Hoppes chipped in with a block and an ace.

The fifth set was a nail-biter, featuring nine ties and six lead changes. Pelak and Chioini each delivered clutch kills to keep the Saints alive, but Bethel squeaked out the 20–18 win. Despite the setback, Aquinas proved its depth, hitting .393 in the third set and showcasing a balanced attack and team-first grit against a nationally respected opponent.

Match 2: Aquinas 3, Grace 2 (25–22, 23–25, 25–18, 23–25, 15–10)

After a tough morning loss, the Saints (4–2) refused to let the day end on a sour note, rallying for a gritty five-set victory over Grace to close out Friday's action. In a match full of momentum swings, Aquinas dug deep late to claim a 15–10 win in the final frame.

Jenna Lee came up big with timely kills in multiple sets, helping AQ establish rhythm early. Cece Pelak added 13 kills and two aces, while Nevaeh Bakker chipped in 12 kills and three block assists. Lauren Chioini contributed offensively and defensively, while freshman Julia Schweihofer energized the Saints with a momentum-shifting ace in the third set.

Setter Natalie West ran a balanced offense, tallying 20 assists, six kills on .600 hitting, two aces, and 11 digs. Taylor Reha contributed with additional ball distribution, and the back row held firm as Bella Hommes recorded 25 digs. Together, Hommes and Schweihofer combined for six service aces that consistently kept Grace on its heels.

The decisive fifth set again highlighted Aquinas' composure under pressure. After trading points early, the Saints took control behind kills from Bakker and Lee, before Hommes delivered a crucial ace to widen the gap. Fittingly, Pelak hammered home the final kill to secure the 15–10 victory — a testament to AQ's determination to bounce back after the morning heartbreak.

Inside the Numbers

• Cece Pelak and Nevaeh Bakker both posted career-high kill totals in the opener against Bethel.
• Jenna Lee stepped up in the Grace match with clutch kills at pivotal moments.
• Natalie West filled the box score with 20 assists, 6 kills on .600 hitting, 2 aces, and 11 digs.
• Bella Hommes tallied 25 digs in the nightcap, adding 3 service aces.
• Julia Schweihofer provided a momentum-changing ace in the third set against Grace.

Coaches' Comments

After the evening win, Campbell praised his team's growth and grit: "We're still working to find the right lineup, but I'm really proud of the effort and fight our team showed today. Taking both matches to five sets says a lot about their resilience and determination."

Up Next

The Saints continue play at the IUSB/Bethel Tournament on Saturday with two more matches, facing Indiana University East at 11:15 a.m. and Columbia International at 3:30 p.m. These contests will serve as the final tune-ups before WHAC play begins.

Closing Note

For Aquinas, Friday was more than just a split — it was proof of toughness and togetherness. The Saints showed they can rally, compete, and finish when it matters most. With depth across the roster and a hunger that continues to grow, this squad is building the type of chemistry that wins in November. As WHAC play approaches, one thing is clear: the Saints aren't just competing — they're coming together as a force ready to make noise in the conference and beyond.