The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s volleyball team secured a key early-season victory on September 5, 2025, defeating Southern Virginia University 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 25-21) at the Duchossois Athletic & Recreation Center in Buena Vista, Virginia. The Seahawks’ balanced offense and strong defense propelled them to the win, improving their record to 2-1 as they gear up for matches against Washington & Lee and Mary Washington on September 6, 2025.
The Seahawks opened with a 25-21 first-set win, but Southern Virginia tied the match by taking the second set 25-21. St. Mary’s rallied in the third, narrowly winning 25-23, and closed out the match with a 25-21 fourth-set victory. Senior outside hitter Maya Mauro led with 15 kills and 12 digs, showcasing her dual-threat ability. Junior Erianna Mendieta added 11 kills, 15 digs, and two service aces, while Hope Parrish contributed five kills and three blocks. Sophomore Faith Shockley recorded three kills and bolstered front-row defense. Setters Camilla Galeano (13 assists, six digs) and Arielle Lubeck (11 assists, 12 digs) directed the offense, and Stella Marrero anchored the defense with nine digs.
Team statistics highlighted St. Mary’s edge: 42 kills on 140 attempts compared to Southern Virginia’s 37 kills on 136 attempts, with a .107 hitting percentage to the Knights’ .066. The Seahawks recorded nine service aces and six blocks, outpacing Southern Virginia’s three blocks, and tallied 54.0 points to the Knights’ 61.0. The defensive effort limited Southern Virginia’s hitting efficiency, a key factor in the victory.
The win strengthens St. Mary’s position in the United East Conference, where the Seahawks compete in NCAA Division III. Head coach Amy Barmore, leading the team since 2017, emphasized teamwork and defensive discipline, evident in the squad’s performance. Mauro’s leadership and Mendieta’s versatility set the tone, while contributions from Parrish, Shockley, Galeano, Lubeck, and Marrero showcased the team’s depth. The Seahawks’ ability to rebound after dropping the second set demonstrated their resilience, a trait that will serve them well in their upcoming doubleheader.
Southern Maryland volleyball fans, familiar with the Seahawks’ competitive spirit, can expect more exciting matches as the season progresses. The team’s next challenge comes on September 6, 2025, with games against Washington & Lee and Mary Washington, both critical tests in the early season. St. Mary’s athletic department provides regular updates for fans to follow the team’s progress. This victory underscores the Seahawks’ potential to make waves in their conference, building momentum for a competitive 2025 campaign.
