The University of St Thomas Volleyball team opened their First Responders Tournament Campaign against the Simpson Storm and #25 Mary Hardin Baylor Crusaders. The Celts swept the day taking wins over a tough Simpson team and ranked Mary Hardin Baylor squad. 

Simpson:

The first set saw the Celts and Storm trading points back and forth. After 18 ties and 7 lead changes, Audrey Cataline had a service ace to give St. Thomas the first set 21-25. In the second set, the Celts showcased their skills and went on a 10-1 run midway through the set to secure a 25-11 victory. In the decisive third set, after St Thomas pulled ahead 9-8, they never looked back and won 25-20 to earn their third sweep of the season. 

#25 Mary Hardin Baylor:

The Celts found themselves in a hole early dropping the first set 25-19. The woes continued as they lost the second set 25-13. In the third set, sparked by a block from Karrington Kays and Alyssa Ajlouny, the Celts went on a timely 5-1 run to take the lead and secure a 25-21 set victory. The fourth set saw St. Thomas dominate on the court as UMHB played from behind since the first serve as UST won 25-17. Finally in the fifth and final set, the Celts showed clutch and pulled away early to win 15-9. 

Audrey Cataline led the Celts on the day with 28 total points. In the kill department, Paige Havel topped with 17 total. Kendall Howard dished out 26 assists, while Ally Peters led the Celt defense with 22 digs. 

Up next, The Celts continue their tournament run tomorrow against the Whitman Blues and St Joseph's Monks. Come out and support them at the Jerabeck Activity and Athletics Center.