The St. Mary’s College of Maryland women’s volleyball team delivered a commanding performance on September 27, 2025, sweeping the University of Valley Forge in straight sets (25-6, 25-13, 25-7) during a road match in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The decisive victory improved the Seahawks’ season record to 6-8, while the Patriots dropped to 5-5. The match showcased St. Mary’s offensive precision, defensive tenacity, and relentless serving, solidifying their momentum as they head into the heart of their season.
From the opening serve, St. Mary’s asserted control, overpowering Valley Forge with a .340 team hitting percentage while holding their opponents to a negative -.194. The Seahawks amassed 39 kills compared to the Patriots’ 18, demonstrating their offensive dominance. Defensively, St. Mary’s overwhelmed Valley Forge with a 73-23 advantage in digs, stifling any attempt at a comeback. The team’s aggressive serving was a standout feature, with 18 service aces that kept the Patriots on their heels throughout the match.
Erianna Mendieta led the charge for the Seahawks, recording a team-high 11 kills on a .364 hitting percentage. Beyond her offensive prowess, Mendieta contributed seven digs and six assists, showcasing her versatility. Sanaa Porter added six kills and three service aces, bolstering the team’s attack, while Maggie Mohler was flawless, landing five kills on five attempts. At the net, Arielle Lubeck and Kaleigh Wiseman provided a formidable defensive presence, disrupting Valley Forge’s offensive rhythm.
Setter Maya Mauro orchestrated the Seahawks’ efficient offense, dishing out 15 assists to keep the attack fluid. In the back row, libero Stella Marrero anchored the defense with a match-high 11 digs, ensuring St. Mary’s maintained control even during extended rallies. The team’s serving prowess was a game-changer, with Mendieta’s five aces and Porter’s three leading a barrage that disrupted Valley Forge’s ability to mount a cohesive offense.
The match, played at the University of Valley Forge’s Patriot Center, highlighted St. Mary’s ability to dominate on the road, a critical skill for a team navigating a competitive non-conference schedule. St. Mary’s College, located in St. Mary’s City, is a public honors college with a proud athletic tradition in the United East Conference. The Seahawks’ performance against Valley Forge reflects their focus on teamwork and execution, qualities emphasized by head coach Jordan Bates, who has guided the team through a challenging 2025 season.
This win comes at a pivotal moment for St. Mary’s, which has faced a tough slate of opponents this season, including regional powerhouses. The sweep improves their standing as they prepare for upcoming matches, with the team showing growth in both offensive efficiency and defensive cohesion.
The sweep against Valley Forge sets a positive tone as St. Mary’s looks ahead to their next challenge: a non-conference matchup against McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, on October 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. McDaniel, a member of the Centennial Conference, presents another opportunity for the Seahawks to test their mettle against a regional opponent. The game at McDaniel’s Gill Center will require St. Mary’s to maintain the intensity and focus displayed against Valley Forge, particularly in their serving and defensive schemes.
