SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College volleyball continued its strong start to the 2025 season with a 3-1 victory over IU-Northwest on Saturday afternoon at the Knoerle Center. The Pomeroys took the first two sets 25-11 and 25-21, dropped the third 25-19, but closed the match with a convincing 25-20 win in front of 225 fans.

The win moves SMWC to 11-1 on the season while IU-Northwest falls to 3-6.

Senior outside hitter Karla Melendez led the Pomeroys with 14 kills, adding three blocks and two aces in a strong all-around performance. Natalie Knigga chipped in nine kills and Masa Pesic followed with eight.

Setter Aden Britt paced the offense with 21 assists and added 10 digs, while Ryan Canter handed out 14 assists. Defensively, Leishmarie Virella anchored the back row with a team-high 21 digs and also contributed three service aces.

As a team, SMWC posted a .219 hitting percentage and out-dug IU-Northwest 71-68. The Pomeroys also held a 9-7 edge in service aces and a 9-5 advantage in blocks.
IU-Northwest was led by Gabi Lilovich with 10 kills and 12 digs.

SMWC returns to action on Friday, September 5, when the Pomeroys travel to Austin, Texas, to face John Melvin University at 11:30 a.m. (CT).