ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. — The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s volleyball team (5-7) staged a fierce comeback after dropping the first two sets but fell in a thrilling five-set match to Randolph College (5-9) on September 23, 2025, at the Frances and Don Giles Gymnasium. The Wildcats secured the non-conference victory with set scores of 25-16, 25-15, 16-25, 19-25, and 15-12, edging out the Seahawks in a tightly contested battle that showcased Southern Maryland’s resilient collegiate athletics.
The Seahawks struggled early, hitting just .091 in the first set and .125 in the second as Randolph built a 2-0 lead. However, St. Mary’s roared back in the third set, posting an impressive .484 hitting percentage with 17 kills and only two errors on 31 attempts. The momentum carried into the fourth set, where the Seahawks forced a decisive fifth. Despite their surge, Randolph held firm in the final set, clinching the match with a 15-12 scoreline driven by precise hitting and timely defense.
Maya Mauro led St. Mary’s with a team-high 13 kills, contributing 14 points and seven digs. Hope Parrish added nine kills on a .269 hitting clip, while Erianna Mendieta matched her with nine kills and led the team with 13 digs. Vlada Costenco was efficient at the net, recording seven kills on a .333 hitting percentage, and Sanaa Porter chipped in five kills and three blocks. In the setting rotation, Lauren Panageotou delivered 18 assists and eight digs, while Arielle Lubeck notched a double-double with 16 assists and 11 digs. Elizabeth Childs anchored the defense with 14 digs.
Randolph’s attack was paced by Brooklyn Finnerty, who tallied 13 kills on a .462 hitting percentage, and Kelsey Bowler, who added 11 kills. Kailee Turner supported the Wildcats with 31 assists and nine points. Team statistics showed St. Mary’s with 51 kills to Randolph’s 43 but 22 errors compared to the Wildcats’ 23 on similar attempts (133 vs. 135), resulting in a .218 hitting percentage for the Seahawks and .148 for Randolph. St. Mary’s led in aces (6-3) but trailed in points (60-63) and blocks (3-7).
The match highlighted the Seahawks’ grit, particularly in the third and fourth sets, where their offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity forced Randolph to adapt. The fifth set saw momentum swing as Randolph capitalized on key rallies, a testament to the competitive nature of non-conference play at the Division III level. St. Mary’s, part of the United East Conference, has faced a challenging schedule, with this loss marking their third in five matches at home.
The Seahawks return to action on September 25, 2025, hosting Washington College at 7:00 p.m. in the Michael P. O’Brien Athletics & Recreation Center Arena. The match offers a chance to rebound in front of home fans against a Centennial Conference opponent. With a 5-7 record, St. Mary’s aims to build on their third-set performance, where their .484 hitting percentage showcased their potential. Coach Amy Wood, in her fifth season, continues to emphasize aggressive serving and defensive discipline, key factors as the Seahawks navigate a demanding season.
