The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

The Independent Student Newspaper of St. John's University

The Torch

Volleyball: Red Storm sweep Friars

Shawna-Lei Santos moved into third place on the St. Johns all-time kills list (Photo: St. Johns University Athletic Communications)
Shawna-Lei Santos moved into third place on the St. John’s all-time kills list (Photo: St. John’s University Athletic Communications)

After three consecutive losses the St. John’s women’s volleyball team finally got back into the win column to keep their Big East Volleyball Championship aspiration alive. The Red Storm (16-13 overall, 6-8 in Big East) won a hard-fought game 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 27-25) against Providence (10-18 overall, 1-13 in Big East) at Carnesecca Arena on Friday night.

“We played good teams, top teams in the Big East last weekend. We’re trying to get better and make a run to the playoffs” head coach Joanne Persico said. “Every team in the Big East is competitive. We’re one of those good teams”

The Red Storm’s defense was able to hold Providence to a .195 attacking percentage. Senior Karin Palgutova had 17 kills and 12 digs for her 10 double-double of the season and fellow senior Shawna-Lei Santos tallied 44 assists (match-high) and 11 digs. Santos also made some history by passing Connie Chae (1995-1998) for third-all time on the career digs list in the third set. Santos now has 1,564 digs on career.

St. John’s also got strong performances from senior Yaidy Santiago and freshman Margherita Bianchin. Santiago contributed 12 kills and eight digs while Bianchin collected 12 kills, eight digs and had a career-high .522 attacking clip.  Redshirt junior Briana Guzman put together a strong showing with five kills, three blocks and .444 attacking percentage.

Sophomore Julia Cast continues her terrific season by coming away with nine kills, a .500 attacking clip and just two errors. Cast has been a model of consistency this season with her strong play for the Red Storm.

St. John’s will close out its final homestand this coming weekend as they will take on Marquette Nov. 14 and DePaul on Nov.15. The match versus DePaul will mark the final home game for the four members of the senior class. Palgutova, Santiago, Deniz Mutlugil and Santos will all be honored before their final game at Carnesecca Arena.

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