By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
On Saturday, Nov. 22, Aquinas hosted the first round of NAIA Nationals for Women’s Volleyball in Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center.
The opening round featured a matchup between Aquinas, who is currently ranked 21st in the NAIA, and Lindsey Wilson University who received votes in the national rankings.
Aquinas Women’s Volleyball celebrates their win over Lindsey Wilson – Photo by Grace Malec
The matchup brought in over 250 fans for both the Saints and the Blue Raiders as the team fought for a spot to compete for the National Championship Red Banner in Sioux City, Iowa.
“Lindsey Wilson was a team that we had seen in early September,” senior Julia Schweihofer said. “We went to five sets with them previously so we knew that we had to play at a high level. Our resilience as a team really shined during this game. We knew we were good heading into the postseason and we just needed to prove it to everyone and to ourselves.”
The Saints brought the intensity. After a close first set with a score of 25-23, the Saints marched into the second set with the resilience noted by the team, winning the second set 25-18. They were met with fierce competition from the Blue Raiders in the third set, falling to Lindsey Wilson 28-30.
This did not stop the Saints. The team bounced back and persevered through the fourth set with a score of 25-19, ultimately winning the match against the Blue Raiders.
Head Coach Ryan Campbell talks to the team after their win over the Blue Raiders – Photo by Grace Malec
This is not the first time that the Saints have played on the national stage. For the fifth time, the Saints will battle for the Red Banner, after claiming both the WHAC Regular Season and Tournament title for the second year in a row.
We are so excited to have the opportunity once again to play on the national stage,” senior Chloe Hogarth said. “This year has been a special one and I think we can feel the difference from previous years. I can say with confidence in all my years playing for AQ, this is the most bonded team I’ve been a part of.”
The Saints are slated to kick off their trip to Iowa with a match against Lewis-Clark State on Dec. 4 before returning to play Northwestern the following day on Dec. 5.
“I am beyond proud of how far this team has come this year,” senior Lauren Chioni said. “We are more united than ever and have developed such a solid mindset while on the court. The opening round game was tough, but we came prepared. I am so excited to see what we can accomplish throughout the rest of the national tournament.”
The Saints are looking to make history and continue their win streak. During the regular season, they did not face a loss to a single Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference opponent and currently hold a ten game winning streak with an overall record of 33-5.
“Going back to nationals this year is a feeling that can’t be described other than proud,” senior Bella Hommes said. “This team has overcome so much this year and we continue to keep our heads up and continue to grow. This team is something special and I am so excited to be able to share this moment with amazing people for my last year.”
Senior Bella Hommes plays in the Opening Round Match against LWU – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 