VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College volleyball team opened up pool play on Thursday at the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Championship in Virginia Beach, Va. The eighth-seeded Pomeroys finished day one of pool play with a 3-0 record.

The Pomeroys took down top-seeded Florida National in the first match of pool play. The Pomeroys defeated FNU, 2-0 (25-21, 25-23). Sophomore McKenzi Kumpf led the Pomeroys in kills with eight, while sophomore Monica Mack was also a dominating force with five kills for a .833 attack percentage. Sophomore Mary Alvanos turned in 22 assists, while sophomore Gabriella Slagle recorded seven digs. Slagle and sophomore Autum Loughead each recorded four block assists.

SMWC jumped out on FNU early to take a 12-6 lead that then moved to 19-15 in set one. FNU didn't go quietly though, as they came roaring back to pull within one point, 20-19. The Pomeroys were able to hold off FNU in the end to take the 25-21 victory. In set two, it was FNU that jumped out to an early lead, 10-7. SMWC rallied with Slagle and freshman Meagan White to knot the set up at 10-10 before again falling behind 17-12.  Errors by FNU and three kills by Mack got SMWC right back in striking distance 18-19, and then SMWC took a 20-19 lead after an ace by junior Madeline Howes. From there, the Pomeroys stayed with top-seeded FNU and edged them out 25-23 to earn the round one upset.

After SMWC's game one victory, they turned around and took down Maine Fort Kent, 2-0 (25-18, 25-22). Mack and Slagle were again driving forces behind SMWC's attack with six kills each. Mack was again efficient in the middle with a .455 attack percentage. Alvanos recorded 14 assists, while Kumpf led the team in digs with 11. Slagle recorded another four block assists, while Mack recorded three block assists.

SMWC's service game was outstanding with 12 aces, three from both Loughead and Howes. Set one was tight with SMWC trailing 7-5 to start the set. An ace by Alvanos tied the set at 10-10, and then another ace by Kumpf gave SMWC a 12-11 lead. From there, SMWC's attack took over to grab the 25-18 set one victory. Set two was closer after MFK took a 13-5 lead to start the set. SMWC battled back though, and tied the set at 20 with a kill by Mack. From there, Slagle sealed the victory with a kill followed by an ace for the final two points, as SMWC won 25-22.

The Pomeroys finished the day by defeating Penn State Fayette, 2-0 (25-22, 25-18). Mack led the way in game three with seven kills, while Alvanos recorded 16 assists. Alvanos, Howes and Kumpf all recorded six digs with Kumpf chipping in four service aces as well. The Pomeroys made quick work of their third match opponent jumping out to big leads before PSU Fayette came back in both sets.  

Day two of the USCAA National Championship will begin for SMWC with their final pool play match of the tournament. The Pomeroys will face fifth-seeded Rochester at 1 p.m. After SMWC's final pool play match, the tournament bracket will be set, and the Pomeroys will pursue the USCAA volleyball national title.

Stay tuned to SMWCPOMEROYS.com and our social stream to get up-to-date news and information throughout the USCAA Volleyball National Championship.