Southfield, Mich. -- When the NAIA released its latest Women's Volleyball Coaches' Top 25 Poll on Wednesday, Aquinas learned it had climbed to No. 9 in the nation, cracking the top 10 and earning the highest national ranking in program history. Head coach Ryan Campbell made sure the Saints enjoyed the historic accomplishment, but also reminded them that a ranking would not win their next match. AQ still had to take care of business against a Lawrence Tech team eager to knock off its newly minted top-10 opponent. The Saints answered that challenge, surviving a tight opening set before steadily taking control and completing another WHAC road sweep.
No. 9 Aquinas 3, Lawrence Tech 0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-16)
The Blue Devils tested the Saints throughout an opening set that featured 12 ties and five lead changes. Kate Schneider, Nevaeh Bakker, Jayla Martin and Cece Pelak helped Aquinas stay within striking distance as neither team could create early separation. With the score even at 18, a Lawrence Tech attack error and a block by Michelle Ramirez and Bakker gave AQ a two-point advantage. Sophia Munch later delivered her second ace of the set to move the Saints in front, 23-20. Lawrence Tech fought off one set point and pulled within 24-23, but Martin answered with the closing kill to give Aquinas the opener.
Natalie West started the second set with back-to-back aces as AQ quickly moved ahead, 3-0. The Blue Devils recovered and eventually tied the set at 15, but a Lawrence Tech service error returned the serve and momentum to Aquinas. Kami Morse followed with an ace before West connected with Schneider, Bakker and Martin as the Saints created a 20-16 advantage. Audrey Gil added a late ace, Pelak teamed with AQ's defense for a block and Pelak finished the 25-19 victory with a kill from West.
The Saints made sure the third set carried far less drama. Pelak recorded a kill and an ace, while Ramirez and Martin combined on a block as AQ turned a 1-1 tie into a 5-1 advantage. Leading 7-2, Morse took over at the service line and fueled a remarkable nine-point run that included three aces, two Ramirez kills and a Bakker finish. Olivia Dennis added another ace to extend the margin to 18-4, giving Lawrence Tech no opportunity to threaten the Saints' control. Schneider supplied AQ's 23rd point, Pelak followed with an ace and then closed the sweep with her eighth kill of the night.
Pelak and Bakker shared the team lead with eight kills and 11 points apiece. Bakker committed no errors on 13 attempts for a match-best .615 attacking percentage and added six block assists, while Pelak hit .353. Martin finished with six kills, Ramirez and Schneider contributed four apiece and West directed the offense with 20 assists. Morse anchored the back row with 14 digs and delivered five of Aquinas' season-high 15 service aces as the Saints held Lawrence Tech to a .059 hitting percentage.
Aquinas improves to 16-1 overall and 3-0 in the WHAC, while Lawrence Tech falls to 8-7 overall and 1-2 in conference play. The Saints' combination of 16 victories, a lengthy winning streak and signature wins over nationally ranked opponents helped propel AQ seven spots to No. 9 in the latest national poll.
Saints Snapshots
- History Made, Business Handled: Hours after receiving the highest national ranking in program history, Aquinas backed it up with a conference road sweep.
- No Opening for an Upset: Lawrence Tech pushed AQ through 12 ties and five lead changes in the first set, but the Saints never allowed the Blue Devils to steal the momentum.
- Morse Takes Over: Kami Morse's third-set serving run turned a five-point advantage into a commanding 16-2 lead and ended any thoughts of a Lawrence Tech comeback.
- Bakker Owns the Middle: Nevaeh Bakker combined eight kills, a .615 attacking percentage and six block assists for another dominant all-around performance.
- Top-10 Team, November Goals: The ranking is historic, but the Saints remain focused on improving throughout the WHAC season and preparing for their biggest matches in November.
Coach's Comments
"Today was a great day for our program, and our players have earned the opportunity to enjoy being ranked in the top 10," Aquinas head coach Ryan Campbell said. "At the same time, rankings do not win matches, and Lawrence Tech was ready for the opportunity to knock us off. I thought we stayed composed, worked through a tough first set and continued to get better as the match went along. We should celebrate what this team has accomplished, but we cannot stop working to improve each day. Being No. 9 in September is special, but real success will be determined by the matches we win in November."
Up Next
The No. 9 Saints return to the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center for a Homecoming Saturday packed with Aquinas Athletics across Grand Rapids. AQ will welcome Rochester Christian for a 2 p.m. WHAC match as one of four Saints teams competing at home during the day's festivities.
While we hope to see you there, the Homecoming match will also be broadcast live on the AQSaints Athletic Network, with Joey Sutherlin on the call.
Be sure to visit AQSaints.com for live statistics, streaming links and complete postgame coverage of Aquinas women's volleyball and all other Saints sports.
It's a great day to be a Saint.
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