CANTON, Mo.  — The St. Mary-of-the-Woods College men's volleyball team extended their strong start to the season with a 3-0 victory over Culver-Stockton College on Saturday, February 8, at the Charles Field House. The Pomeroys dominated the match, winning 25-20, 25-15, and 25-21. SMWC then came back with a 3-0 sweep over Saint Ambrose (Iowa) by scores of 25-23, 25-19, 25-14.

Leading the charge for SMWC against Culver-Stockton was Joseph Szadorski with 14 kills, followed by Tyler Duranceau with 10 kills and a team-high 3 aces. The Pomeroys' strong offense was complemented by Duranceau's 4 blocks and solid play from setter Michael Olak, who contributed 29 assists and 7 digs.

On the defensive side, SMWC dominated with 8 blocks, led by Duranceau's 4. Yammiel Martinez added 3 blocks, and Szadorski contributed 2. The team also outperformed Culver-Stockton in digs, finishing with 31 digs compared to 26 for the Wildcats.

In the second match of the day, the opening set proved competitive as St. Ambrose fought back from a 12-6 deficit, but ultimately St. Mary-Woods held firm. Tyler Duranceau led the Saints with 10 kills and a .172 hitting percentage, while the Bees struggled offensively, hitting -.032 as a team. Despite seven kills from Kam Dixon and strong defensive efforts from Ethan Karban, the Fighting Bees couldn't overcome a late push by St. Mary-Woods to take the first set, 25-23.

SMWC increased their level of play in the second set, dominating offensively with 16 kills and a .520 hitting percentage. St. Ambrose showed some resilience but struggled to gain consistency. Despite 10 kills from Dixon, the Bees hit just .080, unable to match the offensive efficiency of the Saints. St. Mary-Woods claimed the second set 25-19.

The final set saw St. Mary-Woods shut down any hopes of a Saint Ambrose comeback. The Saints' defense, led by Charlie Harr with six blocks, stifled the Fighting Bees' attack. St. Ambrose committed nine errors and hit -.045 as a team, while St. Mary-Woods cruised to a 25-14 victory, completing the sweep.

Tyler Duranceau was the standout for St. Mary-Woods, contributing 14 kills, two aces, and five digs. Kristofers Klavins had an exceptional performance as well, with 31 assists and a solid block total (4.0). Charlie Harr anchored the defense with six blocks.

The Pomeroys return to action on Tuesday, February 11, hosting Greenville University for a doubleheader at the Knoerle Center in St. Mary-of-the-Woods.