SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – Despite a strong start and a spirited home effort, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College came up short against Rio Grande (Ohio) in River States Conference action Thursday afternoon, falling in four sets (25-21, 18-25, 23-25, 22-25) at Knoerle Center.

With the loss, SMWC moves to 24-9 overall and 7-8 in RSC play, while the RedStorm improve to 15-11 and match the Pomeroys' conference mark at 7-8.

SMWC came out with energy in the opening set, earning a 25-21 win behind timely kills and strong net play. After an early exchange of points, the Pomeroys gained momentum with kills from Christian Green and Tyler Duranceau, taking an early 2-1 lead. A balanced offensive rhythm from setter Kristofers Klavins helped power the Pomeroys through the frame, with standout contributions from Yammiel Martinez, Bentley Meyer, and Noah Boyett. Back-to-back kills from Boyett and Klavins pushed SMWC to a 23-19 lead before Martinez sealed the set with a powerful kill off a Klavins assist.

After dropping sets two and three, the Pomeroys looked to force a decisive fifth set, battling neck-and-neck in the fourth. Despite early errors that gave Rio Grande a 3-0 start, kills from Green, Martinez, and Szadorski helped SMWC claw back to even the score at 5-5. The teams traded points through the middle stages, with Boyett delivering key kills and Szadorski coming up big on both ends. A late push cut the deficit to 24-22 after another Martinez kill, but the RedStorm capitalized on a final opportunity, sealing the match 25-22.

Martinez led SMWC with 10 kills and a match-best four blocks, while Meyer and Green chipped in nine kills apiece. Klavins turned in another efficient performance with 40 assists, and libero Joseph Szadorski anchored the defense with 12 digs. Duranceau also contributed on both ends with timely kills and steady back-row defense.

Rio Grande was led by Daniel Rivas' 15 kills and five aces from Daniel Bedoya, who added 10 digs and two blocks.

The Pomeroys wrap up the regular season on Saturday, April 12, with a Noon ET home matchup against Midway (Ky.) at Knoerle Center.