Lady Saints volleyball advances to quarterfinals with win

HUTCHINSON, Kan - The Lady Saints volleyball team took the court in the opening match of the 2019 NJCAA Division I National Tournament against Hill College and after a brief scare, it was able to advance with a four-set victory. 

The Lady Saints came out in the first set focused and got out to an early 11-9 lead, but the match would go back and forth early.  Overall there were four lead changes and eight tied scores. Seward would eventually get ahead by eight points after a back-row attack by Yanlis Feliz and go on to win, 25-19.

Set two saw Seward come out on fire, starting the set with a 7-0 run, opening a 14-4 lead and cruising to an easy 25-9 victory.

In the third set, the Lady Saints came out early, leading 11-4 and looked well onto their way to another sweep, but Hill College was not ready for its season to end. The Rebels rallied, centered around great defense and Natalie Garcia's attack.  After Hill tied the game up at 19, it was able to push through and win the set, 25-22.

The fourth set would prove to be the final set, but not after some drama. Hill College continued its momentum from the third set and was able to push Seward.  After five tie scores and two lead changes, the teams would be knotted at 17.  The Lady Saints found their next gear and take the team home to the finish line, winning 25-20.

The Lady Saints were led by Yanlis Feliz with 19 kills. Djuly Schmorantz added another 14 kills to go with 16 digs. Laura De Pra was in the middle of it all with 42 assists.

The Lady Saints advance to play Otero Junior College after it beat Indian Hills 3-2 in a thriller. Otero's three set wins were all by two points and they lost one set 30-32.  Game time will be at 5:30 p.m.  Go to SewardSaints.com for all tournament action.