GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Santa Fe Volleyball got the 2021 season started on Friday evening inside the SF Gymnasium, getting past visiting Coastal Alabama-East in four sets, 25-18, 25-27, 25-16, 25-17.

The match was the start of the Campus USA Credit Union Santa Fe Classic, which will additionally include three games on Saturday, August 21.

Set 1 – SF 25, CAE 18

Midway through the opening set, the Saints were able to get a little separation from the Warhawks.

A 7-3 Saints run pushed SF's advantage to 18-13 following a kill from Cali Conner. That lead would hold until the final point, when Nicole DePaula found the back right corner for a kill.

Set 2 – CAE 27, SF 25

Santa Fe held a substantial lead in the second set and were able to earn two set points, but the Warhawks came all the way back and were able to pull out the narrow 27-25 result to tie the match up at 1-1.

Set 3 – SF 25, CAE 16

The Saints held an 11-10 lead before beginning a 9-2 run to turn momentum and take control.

Santa Fe controlled the middle at the net and had multiple contributors during the stretch of play. Conner's emphatic kill handed SF the third set.

Set 4 – SF 25, CAE 17

Santa Fe set the tone early in what would prove to be the concluding set, winning the first seven points.

The Warhawks drew to within four points, but that would be as close as they would get throughout the remainder of the final set as the Saints went on to victory.

Key Statistics

The Saints evidenced a balanced attack and had five players put down nine or more kills. Elizabeth Klein and Katelyn Crofts led the way with 11 apiece, while Abbey James (10), Conner (9), and DePaula (9) were effective as well with aggressive swings.

Defensively, the Saints were able to limit the Warhawks by totaling eight blocks and 77 digs.

The Cheronis Perspective

Head Coach Nick Cheronis: "I give a lot of credit to Coastal Alabama-East, they were extremely gritty. It really forced us to get into a 'grind it out' mindset, which we will need to do the rest of the season."

Up Next

Santa Fe will play in the final match of the Campus USA Credit Union Santa Fe Classic at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21. The Saints will host Florida Southern in a scrimmage.

The day's first two matches will include Valdosta State vs. Coastal Alabama-East at 11:00 a.m., followed by Valdosta State and Florida Southern at 1:00 p.m.