LACEY, Wash. - The Nanooks volleyball team fell to Saint Martin's on Saturday, Oct. 7. The three-set loss dropped Alaska to 9-12, 2-5 GNAC.

Despite being close in all three sets, the Nanooks walked away from Marcus Pavilion with a loss to Saint Martin's. Alaska posted more blocks than SMU and the two teams had 11 aces on each side, but after that, SMU had Alaska beat in all major categories. They outscored the 'Nooks 61-48, had nearly 20 more kills, 45-26, had 14 more assists, 39-25 and outdug the Nanooks 69-62. Alaska fell in the first 26-24. SMU posted eight more kills than the Nanooks with 14 but their 12 errors kept Alaska alive. Unfortunately, six kills and four errors was all the 'Nooks managed to post in the opening set. 

In the second, the Nanooks saw a spark on offense as they posted 11 kills and had only four errors for a swing percentage of .140, their best of the day. SMU unfortunately posted 16 kills and surrendered only six errors. They went on to take the second set 25-23. In the third, the Nanooks had an early lead but the Saints completed a late comeback to snag it and sweep Alaska. Alaska posted nine kills but suffered seven errors while the Saints posted 15 kills and had nine errors. SMU took the set 28-26, taking every set by two points and walking away with a 3-0 sweep of the Nanooks. Karli Nielson and Lily Stewart led the offensive attack for the Nanooks as both ended the day with eight kills. Kristina Head posted four aces and seven blocks while digging up three balls. Three Nanooks had 10+ digs as Grace Steurer led the way with 13, Ainsley Smith had 12 and Rilee White added 10. Ainsley Smith posted a double-double with 13 assists next to her dozen digs. 

The Nanooks return home to face Northwest Nazarene and Central Washington next week at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium in the Patty Center. 

Follow the 'Nooks
Instagram - @NanooksVB
X - @NanooksVB
Facebook - Alaska Nanooks Volleyball