SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Saint Mary's (11-10) avenged their loss to San Francisco (5-11) just four days ago, defeating the Dons 3-2 to open play at the WCC Challenge, before falling to ninth ranked LMU (15-8) 5-0. The win against San Francisco punched the Gaels ticket to the Gold Bracket in Santa Cruz, meaning they are guaranteed no worse than a fourth place finish at the event.
Unlike Monday, the Gaels set the tone early against the Dons. The one pairing of Hawley Harrer and Hannah Couch, and the five pairing of Paola Peralta and Chloe Swanson each won in straight sets in convincing fashion.