MORAGA, Calif. — A quick start and two double-doubles highlighted the Saint Mary’s volleyball team’s Saturday afternoon, but it was Portland’s blocking game that picked up as the match went on, carrying the Pilots to a 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-10) West Coast Conference victory at McKeon Pavilion.
Saint Mary’s (6-7, 1-1 WCC) won the first set 25-19, hitting .471 with 18 kills. The Gaels entered the match unbeaten (2-0) this season when winning the first set. But Portland (8-6, 1-1 WCC) began stopping SMC at the net starting in set No. 2. The Pilots had seven blocks in the second set alone and finished the match with 11 total.