Grantham, Pa. – The St. Mary's College of Maryland volleyball team saw their win streak halted at six Saturday afternoon as the host Messiah College Falcons took the Seahawks to their first five-set match of the season and posted the 3-2 non-conference win. It was the most evenly played match that St. Mary's (7-2) has been a part of this season.

The first four sets were decided by three points or less while Messiah (5-5) claimed a 15-9 edge in the fifth and decisive set. After three tied scores in the fifth set, the Falcons went on an 11-4 run to put the match away.

Three Seahawks finished with double-digit kills as sophomore middle blocker Mandy Goodspeed (Columbia, Md./Atholton) led the way with 17. First-year Carissa Hill (Lanham, Md./Pallotti) commanded the defensive effort with a match- and season-best 32 digs while three other teammates contributed double-figure digs.

The Seahawks claimed the first set, 25-22, after capitalizing on back-to-back Messiah errors to break a 20-20 tie. Goodspeed picked up five kills, including two in the team's 5-2 run to close out the set, and the team blocked five attempts in the first game victory.

Messiah turned the tables and picked up a 25-23 in the second set. An attacking error by the Falcons put St. Mary's even at 23-23 but a kill by first-year outside hitter Kristen Douglas (Westminster, Md.) and a bad Seahawk set gave Messiah the set win. Sophomore captain Autumn Fisher (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) and Goodspeed combined for seven kills to pace SMCM offense.

St. Mary's rebounded with a 25-23 in the third set as the Seahawk built a 15-10 advantage. The Falcons responded with a 13-7 run to claim a 23-22 lead but two Messiah errors and a kill by first-year setter Mimi Graf (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) gave SMCM the win. Goodspeed and Fisher once again joined forces for seven kills.

The fourth set went to Messiah, 25-23, as the Falcons used a 7-2 run to stake a 15-10 lead and never looked back, serving three of their five service aces in the game.

Fisher finished the match with a double-double on 15 digs and 11 kills while senior captain Michelle Klima (Ellicott City, Md./Centennial) added 10 kills and six total blocks (1 solo). Graf notched a double-double of her own on 27 assists and 21 digs.

The Seahawks will look to get back on track on Tuesday, September 24th when St. Mary's travels to Towson to take on Goucher College in a non-conference match at 7:00 pm.

Facebook: StMarysAthletics

Twitter: @smcseahawks, @SMCMVB, #SeahawkAthletics

Instagram: @smcseahawks