UPLAND, Ind.--- The 2021 season started Friday afternoon for the University of St. Francis volleyball team. Unfortunately, the Saints were unable to come up with a win in the two matches, falling to #16 Indiana Wesleyan 3-0 and the host Taylor University 3-1.
 

How it happened vs. #16 Indiana Wesleyan

The Saints struggled to get going against one of the top teams in the country. IWU took the three sets by scores of 25-15, 25-13, 25-11. Lauren Stefanski and Desiree Anderson each recorded three blocks. Peyton Baird had a solid offensive showing in the match, notching five kills on 16 attempts while not committing an error. 
 

How it happened vs. Taylor University

USF came out ready to go in the second match of the day vs. Taylor. USF forced ten total Taylor errors in the opening set. The two sides played even throughout the first set until Taylor was able to rattle off four straight points to take a 22-17 lead forcing a St. Francis timeout. USF scored the final seven points of the set with Gabby Paelmo serving. Stefanski capped off the opening set 25-23 win with a block.
 

St. Francis battled hard in the next three sets but was unable to come up with a victory. Anderson recorded a double-double with 11 kills and ten digs. Hannah Pacheco and Abby Lab combined to dish out 34 assists, while Stefanski recorded five blocks. 
 

Up next

-          The Saints will conclude the Amber McClure Fayerweather Memorial Tournament tomorrow with two more matches. They will take on St. Mary of the Woods at 8:00 am (CDT) and Mount Vernon Nazarene University at 1:30 pm (CDT).